“But wouldn’t it be nice to have an established relationship with someone who understands you, in case a day comes tomorrow where you aren’t coping? I get the sense you regret the last period of time where that happened. Therapists are very hard to come by in the present era.”

“Are you seeing someone?” Amy asked.

“Can’t we focus on you for the moment?”

“Don’t… dodge me,” Amy told her. “You said we were colleagues. As a colleague, are you seeing a therapist?”

“For what it’s worth, I really wish I was. But like I said, therapists are hard to come by, and I have no time. I’ve tried, and I’ve seen one or two for one-off events, to make sure I’m approaching them in the right ways.”

“Yeah,” Amy said. “So maybe, uh, you use your therapist friend? Keep him and that time slot available for when you have time?”

“Can’t. We know each other too well.”

“Then give the spot to Victoria,” Amy said. “Because she’s not coping. Can—can we talk about her for a second?”

“No,” Jessica’s voice was soft.

“Can I—I’ll talk at you about her, for just a bit. You don’t have to interject. You don’t have to do anything. Just let me say my piece, use it if you think it’s right.”

Not that you will, since you’re a shitty therapist who can’t even hear what I’m saying, Amy thought.

Jessica didn’t budge, didn’t say a word.

“Carol neglected me. Mark, in his way, neglected me more. I’ve been thinking about it, and I think that was the kindest thing they could have done for me. I think that family isn’t healthy, I think they pressured Victoria and that pressure did a number on her. And the sad, sick thing is, they pressured her to be exactly what she should have been. Does that make sense?”

Jessica didn’t move or respond.

Amy turned, leaning over the railing, not looking at Jessica. Easier than trying to talk without any cues to go by. It was like talking into an answering machine, stumbling over words because the pauses and exchanges weren’t there.