“So, Laura, what brought you here today?” psychologist, Christine Kingsley asked as she gazed intently at her new patient. She poised a pen on well-manicured fingers.

Laura cleared her throat, and faked a cough; an outline of her perspiring fingers left a darkened spot on her jeans. She grasped her trembling hands together, and placed them in her lap.

“Doctor Kingsley, I’m new to Sunrise.”

“Yes, I understand that, Laura. Please call me Christine.”

Laura looked out the window. Lines of heat wafted off the parked cars. She turned back, and gazed into the wide blue eyes staring at her. With a shrug, she took another deep breath.

“I don’t know If you can help me or not, Doc. . .sorry, Christine.”

The doctor’s sharply arched eyebrows rose.

“I’m not doubting you as a therapist, but well, what I mean is, I don’t know if you’ve ever dealt with what I’ve been through.” Laura picked at her fingernails.

Christine placed her pen down, leaned forward, and reached for Laura’s hands, grasping them firmly.

HILL/FAMILY TRADITION 2

“Whatever you’ve been through, no matter how painful it was, you made the right decision. Now, if you want my help, you will need to tell me. There is nothing you can say that would shock me.” She released Laura’s hands and sat back.

Laura paused for a moment. “I moved to Sunrise because I was running away. Running away from my family and their. . .friends. They used me. . .” Huge tears welling in Laura’s eyes began to flow.

Christine handed Laura a tissue. She furrowed her brows, and, cocking her head, placed the box of tissues on the table.

“Are you saying you were abused sexually? Because if that’s the case, I know it must have been horrible for you, but I’ve dealt with this type of therapy before. I assure you I can help.”

Laura interrupted without words by slowly shaking her head.

“What is it, Laura? What happened to you?”