*click*
The kettle stopped whistling, and Amanda got up to brew tea. Finishing a day of work with chamomile tea and as early as noon was her beloved routine. The sound of rain hitting the windows of the suburban townhouse felt soothing. It wasn't merely her house - but her workplace, too. A silver sign with gold and black engravings fixed to the door read: Amanda Moore's Private Clinic.
She grabbed her cup of tea with both hands and made her way downstairs to the therapy room. She found comfort sitting there, daydreaming. Above the patient's couch fixed to the wall were her framed degrees and license.
University of Toronto
PhD Clinical Psychology (Sex Therapy)
Amanda Moore (with Honors)
She took a sip of her tea, as her phone buzzed faintly. She checked her notifications - an email.
From: Dana Kinley
Title : An Unconventional Request, Ple...
Brief : Hello, my name is Dana. I am a college stu...
"Dana?" she mumbled to herself, "I'll read today, but reply tomorrow" she thought to herself.
*tap*
From : Dana Kinley
Subject : An Unconventional Request, Please Forgive Me if Not Appropriate!
Hello, my name is Dana. I am a college student. I came across your website after an online search. I am looking for a professional who can help me with an issue I have been having lately. I really don't know who I should turn to but a sex therapist is my best guest.
For the past few months, I found myself obsessing over other girls. Obsessing Over their bodies. Their feet in particular. I know how absurd it may sound. I am afraid this is not "just a phase". I found myself making risky plans (stealing worn sox from our gymnastics class locker room), daydreaming, and generally completely out of focus. I really don't know what got into me.
I am scared that I might be going insane, and this is how it all starts.
Please help.
- Dana
Amanda read the email twice. The hysteria, confusion and anxiety were obvious. "I'll reply right now" she agreed with herself. She grabbed the warm cup of tea in one hand and ran her finger across her phone, typing a reply.
From : Amanda M.
Subject : Re:An Unconventional Request, Please Forgive Me if Not Appropriate!
Hello Dana,
Thank you for your email. Your request is sound and appropriate. I am a licensed Sex therapist and I am accepting new clients. Please let me know if you would like to set up an appointment; you will find my availability and rates below. Note: college students are covered by insurance.
Amanda M. (PhD)
Licensed Sex Therapist
Ontario, Canada
*tap*
She hit 'send' and put her phone away. Afternoon nap was calling.
[Thursday, 2:00 PM]
Dana found herself staring at the ceiling. She felt lost. A reply? so fast? Am I really going to confess these feelings to a stranger? And what will she think of me? And what can she do to help? She hesitated for a minute. Then, in a swift moment, she gained enough courage.
From : Dana Kinley
Subject : Re:Re:An Unconventional Request, Please Forgive Me if Not Appropriate!
Hello again,
thank you for reading my request! I see you are available Friday 11:00 AM.
Can I please come?
- Dana
Her heart was pounding so wildly. Am I really doing this?
*tap*
She sent the reply, and curled in her bed. Not a minute passed and her phone's notification sound played.
From : Amanda M.
Subject: Re:Re:Re: An Unconventional Request, Please Forgive Me if Not Appropriate!
Hello Dana,
We are confirmed for this coming Friday (tomorrow) at 11:00 AM for 120 minutes session. Please arrive exactly on time, neither late nor early. Parking is available.
Amanda M. (PhD)
Licensed Sex Therapist
Ontario, Canada
[Friday, 10:00 AM]
Dana felt dizzy. Her anxiety was through the roof. She avoided talking to her roommates - her voice shaking so violently must look odd, if not raise a concern. With weak hands, she put on her fit-for-any-event jeans, closed the zipper of her jacket and put on her pair of sneakers. Keys, phone, wallet - check. She got out her house and hoped in her car.
"Not late, but not early too. Not late, not early." She felt like every inch of her body was trembling. 10:54, 10:55... I can see the driveway". She parked the car and sat for a moment.
Dr. Amanda Moore's Clinic
She was standing in front of Amanda's clinic's door, pale and scared. "Not late, but not early." 10:58, 10:59...
[Friday, 11:00 AM]
*Knock knock*
A distant sound of approaching steps followed.
*click*
The door opened. Amanda was wearing an attire fit for a professional. A dark jacket, black pants and white high-heels. She smiled at Dana's scared figure.
- "Dana?"
- "Yes, hi, Dana. Amanda?"
Dana paused for a moment. "Not even a sentence, and already I made a clown of myself. Of course she is Amanda. Who else can she be."
Amanda seemed to read thoughts. With soft voice she replied.
- "Yes, Amanda, no else. Pleased to meet you. It's warm inside - please come in!"
The look of embarrassment on Dana's face raised a smile in Amanda. Dana stepped in. The interior of the house did not look at all the way she had imagined. A cozy grey carpet decorated the floor; A hearthstone was whispering across a living room, crowded with cautioned sofas. Figurines of Buddhist symbols decorated the wooden furniture. Any sense of formality was erased in favor of comfort.