John sat and held out a hand.
Vee took it and sank into the chair beside him. “No. I’m good. Let’s do this.”
Slowly at first, then with increasing speed and ease, Venkat told the story: his upbringing in a psy family, the loss of his parents, the bad boyfriend, the accident, Red saving him, Red’s witch, all of it but with only the bits about his energy-drinking issues. He left out as much personal feeling as he could, which made even the rocky bits a little easier to dust off and discuss.
Dr. Sokolov took notes on his computer, nodding or asking questions as needed. And when Venkat finished, he pushed away from his little rolly desk and settled both hands on his knees. “First of all, Venkat, I’m sorry that happened to you. I’m sorry your community failed you; you should’ve been taken ca
