Reckoning - 4. Chapter 4

Adam had been seeing a therapist since he returned from his childhood home. Nightmares tore him from sleep, drenched in sweat. His decision to ask Patrick to move in with him was impulsive, but he stood by his choice.

“Adam.” Doctor Amanda Grieves sat in a nearby chair holding a notepad on her cross knee. “How are you sleeping?”

Adam sat in an armchair facing her. “Those pills you gave me are helping, but it’s hard to wake up in the morning.”

“Are you still dreaming?”

“Not every night but when I do it’s intense.”

“Are your dreams still the same?”

“Pretty much.” Adam trailed off.

“Has something changed?”

“Remember, I told you in the dream I was floating?”

“Yes.”

“Well, it changed to sinking into darkness and me trying to breathe.”

“You said the last time things were changing in your life. Can you elaborate?”

“I asked my boyfriend to move in with me.”

“Really how long have you been dating?”

“A few months.”

“What’s his name?”

“Patrick.”

“Could the source of your nightmares be your decision in asking Patrick to move in?”

“No. I want him to move in.”

“How well do you know him? Have either of you met the other’s family?”

“Patrick met my family and they love him.”

“And his family?”

“His mother’s nice. His father hates me.”

“Hate is a strong word, Adam.”

“He tried to disown Patrick for being with me.”

“Disown him?”

“Patrick’s family has money and his father holds it over his head.”

“Is that what Patrick told you?”

“More or less.”

“Adam I want you to continue taking the pills. Your body will get used to them.” Doctor Grieves finished writing her notes when she smiled at Adam. “I would like it if you would keep a journal about your dreams. Keep it by your bed and try to write every detail while it’s still fresh in your mind. Then bring it with you when you come back.”

“All right.”

“Here,” she rose from her seat and moved to her desk, opening a bottom draw. She removed a blank notebook with an attached pen connected by a chain hooked to the metal spine. She approached Adam and held it out to him.

Adam took the basic 7x5 plan notebook with a thin tanned cover.

She held her hand out to shake his, and he excepted.

“Friday’s good for me.”

“Same time?”

“Same time.”