Children of Darkness by Courtney Shockey Read Free Book Online

him into the therapy room.” She squeezes my shoulder and turns to walk out.
    “Stacy… Thank you.”
    “No need to thank me, Dr. Janet.” She smiles and leaves the room.
    I sit down and rub my face with the heels of my hands. I need to get myself together. I am a child psychologist. I need to compose myself so that I can help these children, not cry over my childhood. Self-pity has no place in this office or my life. I fix my make-up in my handheld mirror and then stand up, breathing deeply. My nose is a little stuffy from crying so I tend to that and make the call to Stacy.
    “I’m ready.”
    My appointments throughout the day pass quickly. I can’t shake the thought of Emily trying to hurt herself, but I have to focus on my other patients. After Jason left, Samuel came in. They are both extremely close to facing their monsters and at the point of talking through all their fears so they can confront them head on. They make me proud with how strong and willing they are.
    After their sessions, it is time for lunch and a much needed break. Stacy and I walk to the Chinese food place down the street we frequent once a week. We’re seated at one of the corner booths in the back to get a semblance of privacy. We chat about redecorating the office and a potential patient.
    His parents told Stacy that he has night terrors that keep him up several nights a week. He isn’t scared of the dark, so the terrors can be anything. His name is Conner Bryce and she told his parents we would meet the following week to talk about him becoming a patient.
    Our food is served quickly and I can’t wait to dig in. Their General Tso’s chicken is the best on this side of town. I stuff a big piece into my mouth and would’ve moaned if I had room to. Spicy flavors explode on my tongue and the crispy coating crunches as I eat. I am in food heaven.
    “Don’t forget to breathe while you’re stuffing your face,” Stacy comments with a smile.
    I cover my mouth with a napkin and giggle. I have to chew for a few moments before I can respond, which makes her laugh even more. “I’m sorry, my appetite is in full force apparently.”
    “It’s not a problem. I enjoy their food as much as you do, but with a more ladylike approach.” She winks and I blush.
    We polish our plates and sit back with full bellies. “That was extremely satisfying,” I murmur. My eyes threaten to drift down. Sleep is calling my name loudly.
    “That it was. I believe a nap is in order once we get back to the office,” she comments as she sinks down even more into the booth. I almost can’t see her over the table. The check comes with fortune cookies and Stacy picks one hastily. She breaks it open and pulls out the small paper from the mess, reading it out loud. “The love you yearn for will come to pass sooner than you think. Hmm, I don’t recall ‘yearning’ for love but I’ll take it!”
    We laugh and I put my card on the check as I grab the other cookie. I break it open and the paper falls to the table. I pick it up, flattening it out. “Your dreams will come true.” The smile falls from my face and the delicious food in my stomach tries to make reappearance in a not-so-delicious way.
    “Well, let’s hope your dreams are full of beaches, alcohol, and a gorgeous, redheaded man that adores you. You need a vacation, Dr. Janet.” Stacy smiles at the waitress as she brings back the receipt and my card and wishes us a good day. All I can do is stare at the fortune in my hand.
    After lunch, I see two more patients who seem to be at the end of their therapy sessions. I have given them the tools they need to overcome their nightmares and they are progressing greatly. Soon, I will stop the sessions and check in monthly until they are completely over their fears and moving on with their lives.
    I pack up the file and clean the remaining toys in my office with Stacy. We straighten up and turn off the lights. I lock the office and we walk to the elevator