Once they both were seated, Dr. Carrson picked up her pen and continued to smile openly. “Thank you for coming to us, Flora. I see from your questionnaire that you’ve seen a few therapists through your life but haven’t really connected.”

“Yes,” Flora croaked.

“Well, hopefully I can help. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, just say, and if you don’t feel that connection with me, then we can try you with another doctor in our centre. I won’t be offended, honestly.”

That declaration actually made Flora feel better. It took the pressure off and made her like the doctor’s honesty.

Dr. Carrson looked down at her notes. “I see you also put down that you have issues with OCD and social anxiety.”

Flora nodded. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t organize the thoughts in her head. Her whole brain was screaming panic.

She suspected the doctor noticed that, because she put down her pen and pushed the notebook to the side.

“Let’s forget all that. Tell me about yourself, Flora.”

Flora opened her mouth, but nothing would come out.

So Dr. Carrson said, “Is that the worst question to ask you?”

Again Flora nodded.

“You don’t know what to say. You need a structure to the conversation?”

“Yes.”

Dr. Carrson sat forward. “Is that your partner outside?”

“What? No, just a friend.” Flora was so surprised that the doctor would think that.

“Do you have lots of friends?”

“No, none.”

Dr. Carrson nodded. “If you were to describe how your symptoms make you feel, how would you describe it?”

The description jumped right into her head. “Tired, it makes me tired living this way.”

“I understand that feeling, Flora. I have bipolar disorder, which I manage with medication. It’s the reason I became a psychiatrist. So I understand the weariness of trying to cope with all your difficulties alone.”

Flora was so surprised at what Dr. Carrson had said. It put them on a more even footing.

“Thank you for telling me,” Flora said.

“I can help you. It won’t be easy. No quick fixes, but I can help. Are you willing to give it a try?”

“Yes.” This was more openness than she’d had with any of her previous therapists. “Yes, I want your help.”

“Good. Let’s begin.”

* * *

Flora walked out of the consulting room, embarrassed to have a red puffy face and still wiping away tears.

Mack jumped up and said, “Are you okay?”

Flora nodded and headed to the desk to pay. “Dr. Carrson said to make a new appointment for next week.” Before today she’d said she would think about another appointment, but Flora felt this doctor got her, so she went ahead.

When they got out of the door, Mack said, “How did it go?”

“Can we talk about it when we get to the museum?”

“Aye, nae bother. I’ll get a taxi.”