Christmas was around the corner, and the driveway to Amanda's private house turned white. Layers of snow coated the secluded road, and the window of her private office reflected colorful flickering lights hanging from a Christmas tree, decorating her office. She laid on the patients' couch, slowly falling asleep. A notification sound grabbed her attention for a moment.
"Last email for today" she agreed with herself.
From: College Student (Junior)
Subject: Need Help
Hi Amanda,
College student here.
I am seeking professional help for something that's been bothering me during my semester. It's sex related. I really don't know any better so I am writing to the first
registered consultant I came across online. Please let me know if you're open for
bookings. I am free most of the week, during evenings. Fridays I'm free the whole day.
For my privacy, I am writing from a throwaway email account.
Thanks!
-------
Amanda ran her finger across her phone, tapping a reply. She could sense some distress in the message; And since she always wanted the best for her clients, she figured a timely response would provide some reassurance.
To: [redacted]
Subject: Re:Need Help
Hello,
and thank you for reaching out.
I am a licensed therapist and any information we exchange is protected by law,
you are completely safe. You can, of course, remain anonymous - it is up to you.
I do accept clients; The sessions are held at my private house, which is also my clinic.
If possible, could you describe, even broadly, the nature of the challenge(s) you are facing? It will help me help you.
Note that as a college student, insurance should provide up to 85% coverage of any charges.
I have an opening for this coming Friday, 1:00 pm, if the weather agrees.
Amanda
-------
She fell asleep.
The anonymous college student could not.
He read her reply over and over again, and as night fell his eyes remained wide open, staring at the screen.
"How do I even begin...?"
His restlessness finally gave and he laid down his phone. A reply tomorrow would make more sense; Always a hesitant, he could not help but think twice.
"I'll reply tomorrow. I need to think this through. I am going to regret this."
The anonymous college student woke up in the same position he fell asleep, his phone still in his hand. It was Thursday, and he decided to skip today's classes for in-dorm studying. He brought his phone closer, and started writing a reply.
From: College Student (Junior)
Subject: Re:Re:Need Help
Hi again,
sorry for omitting details. See, I am a bit afraid of the whole thing.
I can provide details but I would much rather not do this over email as writing
this makes me very nervous. I am so sorry. Can we still book the session?
(Tomorrow, 1:00 pm)
------
From: Amanda M.
Subject: Re:Re:Re:Need Help
Hello,
I understand.
We are confirmed for this coming Friday, 1:00 pm, for a 2 hour introductory meeting.
Parking is available for a private car.
You will find my address below, as well as on my website.
Amanda
------
Anonymous college student felt uneasy. He did not expect the consultant to reply so fast, and for things to escalate this quickly. A face-to-face meeting? Tomorrow? With a beautiful female, only a decade or so older than him?
His thoughts were racing with each other, disassociating him from his surrounding.
"I better focus on something, anything, or I'll go nuts". He decided to get up and groom himself for tomorrow.
[Friday, 12:00 AM]
Anonymous college student got out of the shower; He was ready to head out to his car. The clinic's address was only 15 miles away, but his anxiety didn't let him stay put. He shoved a clinging car keys into his pocket, took a quick glance in the mirror hanging next to the dormitory door and headed out. The chill weather hit his nose immediately, and he quickly made his way to his car.
Amanda walked around her office, her bare feet tapped the carpeted floor lightly. Walking back and forth was soothing and meditative for her. Her phone made a sound, and a notification reminded her of an upcoming appointment.
*1:00 pm - 3:00 pm (session, in 30 minutes)*
She put her phone back in her pocket, and headed upstairs. She liked watching her clients arrive. She grabbed a coffee mug, and positioned herself next to the big window, overlooking the parking. Then, a small white private car, lightly covered in snow, slowly pulled in and turned off the engine. She closed the window curtains, leaving a small gap where she could peek.
Anonymous college student existed the car. He was visibly shaking. The freezing weather didn't help. A small sign with silver inlay greeted him to a suburban cottage:
Dr. Amanda Moore's Clinic
He climbed the small staircase and stood before the door. His heart was racing; He could feel his heartbeat.
*knock*
A moment of silence passed by. After a second, when he thought nobody heard that, he extended his arm to knock again - and heard footsteps coming closer and closer. His arm froze in place, as the door opened.
Amanda stood in front of him, giving a faint smile. She was pretty; Even prettier in person than what her online profile suggested.
"Hi. I... We... Have an appointment, 1:00 pm. I'm..."
Amanda let her smile grow a bit.
"Of course. Come in!" She nodded with her head, inviting the anonymous college student into the house. He took a step in and she closed the door behind him.
"My work space is down the stairs. You can head down and make yourself comfortable on the sofa. There's coffee machine and cookies on my desk - please help yourself and don't be shy. I'll be with you in a moment."
The anonymous college student nodded, and slowly made his way down a spiraling staircase. A big wooden desk with a laptop, a coffee machine and a cookie jar laid close to a window; the curtains were pulled. The room was lit with a yellow dimmed light. He located the sofa, just across. It was big and comfy. He sat and waited.
A minute passed by, and he heard Amanda's feet tapping down the staircase. His anxiety, forgotten for a brief moment, now turned into terror. This is the moment. She is about to ask me what brought me to her. And I will have to tell her.
I am screwed.
Amanda smiled as she looked at the nervous college student; She maintained eye contact while locating a spinning leather chair in front of him.
- "Nervous?"
- "Yeah. Haha. A bit."
- "Like everyone's first therapy session."
She sat on the chair in front of him. His figure appeared terrified.
- "So, I understand you want to remain anonymous, even with me. I will respect your needs."
- "Thank you, ah... I'm sorry about that, it's just that-"
- "There's no need to apologize. Not at all. I'm here to help you."
- "Yes. Well. Thank you. Really."
Amanda sat idle for a moment.
- "I see you're very nervous. Is it because of what you're about to tell me?"
The anonymous college student moved in his place. His uneasiness was evident, even to an untrained eye. He nodded.
- "Maybe, if it makes it easier for you, lay down and close your eyes. It's a very comfortable sofa, and it's for that exact purpose. Go ahead, give it a try."
The anonymous college student laid down, gave a final glance to the window, and closed his eyes.
Amanda's calm voice broke the silence.
- "So tell me, what has been bothering you lately? Remember, I'm here to help where I can. You will not lose anything by being honest."
- "You see. Lately, I moved out of my parents house. And I found myself pretty stressed, and so, I, like... I watch a lot of videos online."
Amanda kept her stare locked at her patient, even though he couldn't see her.
- "So you watch pornography?"
The student blushed, embarrassed.
- "Yes. Sorry, that's why it's a bit awkward for me to-"
- "No no. Again, nothing to be sorry for. I apologize for interrupting you. Please keep going."
- "So yes. I'm watching porn, pornography, to... Help with the anxiety. And I've noticed something that I really feel bad about."
Amanda leaned forward, tilting her head in curiosity.
- "I... I think my penis isn't very big, at least compared to what I see online. And I keep hearing that, you know, size is very important... To girls. I don't know. Every time I watch one of these videos, I am left shocked. Not just by how... Big their penises are, but also, like, how mine is small in comparison. I feel like... The girls at my college will laugh at me had they found out. I'm just scared. And I don't know what to do."
Amanda figured out the enigma. The refusal to disclose the reason for the meeting, the desire to remain anonymous, the dots were connected.
- "You can open your eyes now."