Dr. Rosenthal lets out a big sigh. She wants me to let it go. “We know what happened to Mary. She died tragically. Let’s address David. What is your plan for confronting him?”

I won’t be confronting him but I do have a plan. I realize looking at her that she doesn’t get me at all. I mean, that’s partially my fault because I haven’t told her the truth all along. I get that. She underestimates me. Everybody does. “What do you suggest?”

“Perhaps you could bring him with you, to the next session? Tell him it’s time, since he hasn’t been in for ten months. We’ll see if he can express what he’s going through. Sound good?” Dr. Rosenthal’s glasses are back on her face, framing her wise owl-like eyes. She has a PhD and I’m just a high school graduate. But there are several different types of intelligences in the world. There’s book smart. And then there is a different smart. Street smart. People smart.

“You think my husband will waltz in here and admit to you he is having an affair?” I shake my head, the tears long gone, just like any hope of salvaging our marriage. The only thing left is revenge.

“I think if he shows up with you there is hope for your marriage. As for Betsy, you need to take your time, really think about what you’re accusing her of doing. That’s a very serious charge. I just can’t imagine it.”

I’ve never seen Dr. Rosenthal’s eyes so big. She’s a bit freaked out, I think. She’s heard more from me than she bargained for. I sniff. “I know. I’ve said too much. Just forget everything.”

“I’m sorry, time’s up.” She walks me to the door and, for the first time ever, touches my shoulder. “Make another appointment, please. Come in next week, or sooner, if you need to. And bring David. And Betsy, too. We can clear everything up. This is important. I think you may have things mixed up, Jane.”

No, it’s you who have things mixed up, Doctor, but you’ll figure it all out someday when you review your notes. As for the future, neither David nor I will visit this office again. And of course, Betsy wouldn’t be caught dead here. I wonder if Dr. Rosenthal will miss me and our chats? I know she’ll never forget our last session together today.

Did you know therapists are compelled to report child or elder abuse, but otherwise secrets are safe with them? Unless she is subpoenaed or compelled by a judge to testify, that is. It’s a fine line, society’s “need to know” versus a patient’s rights to confidentiality. Sometimes people need to know there is a monster in their midst.