Emma sat in the waiting room, becoming increasingly uncomfortable as she neared her appointment time. Perhaps it was just the peeling wallpaper, or the implacable yet distinctly unpleasant smell, but there was something else nagging at the back of her mind, something that just felt wrong. She tried to figure out what it was, but could barely hear herself think over the sound of the receptionist smacking his gum. Maybe she was worried about his clear incompetence, he seemed more interested in a spot on the wall than doing his job. As far as Emma could see he was staring at a spot of what was either mould or spilled coffee. She decided to set her uneasiness aside, Darren had recommended this place very eloquently, although right now she couldn't remember why he had needed therapy or, for that matter, why she needed it.
Before she could finish that thought the door to the doctor's office opened and a woman stepped through it, wearing a lab coat over some strangely casual clothes.
"Next patient," she said.
Emma stood up with an awkward nod and silently followed the woman into the office. Emma took a seat and the woman peered down at her from the other side of the desk. The nameplate in front of her and the diploma on the wall read "Dr. F Coles."
The woman, presumably Dr Coles, held out a plastic cup filled with water.
"Drink," she said, half-question half-command.
Emma took a polite sip.
"All of it,"
and then a few polite gulps to finish the cup.
"Excellent," Dr Coles continued, "I think you'd like to lie down on the couch now."
She was right, Emma looked at the couch in the corner of the room. It looked very comfortable and besides, that was what happened when you went to the therapist.
"So," Emma started to speak.
"Quiet, please, it's more difficult to hypnotise someone who is talking," Dr Coles cut her off and, after a brief pause, continued in a monotone.
All Emma really remembered after that was a feeling of drifting downwards, as though in a lift, 10...9...8...7...6...5...4...3...2...1... it was a wonderful feeling, a happy haze in her memory that she didn't want to question.
Once she was properly under, the doctor began to make some changes.
"Alright, Emma, for this next section you will be able to respond truthfully and honestly, and you will understand that I will be similarly truthful and honest. Remember to tell the truth, and remember that everything I say is completely and utterly true. Do you understand?"
"yes..."
"Very good, Emma, remember now that we're very good friends and have known each other for years. How long have we known each other?"
"years..."
"be more specific, let's say ten years, and we're really good friends."
"ten years... really good friends..."
"Excellent, you're almost as good as Dylan, or whatever his name was."
"Darren..."
"Yes, Darren, you love him very much, don't you?"
"yess..."