The Gray Area

ChapterThree

Grace's office exuded warmth and serenity, carefully designed to put clients at ease. The spacious room featured a simple yet elegant layout, with a comfortable brown two-seater sofa and a sleek coffee table at its center. A single armchair sat opposite, creating an intimate conversation area. The light purple walls were adorned with vibrant abstract paintings, adding a touch of sophistication.

Behind the sofa, a sturdy mahogany desk held Grace's workstation, complete with a modern computer and a plush office chair. A nearby bookshelf stood tall, housing an impressive collection of literary works. The office's cozy ambiance was deliberately crafted to make clients feel right at home.

As Grace stood behind her desk, arms crossed, she checked her watch for what felt like the tenth time. Her first client was running late, and her patience was wearing thin. She paced across the room, her eyes scanning the bookshelf until they landed on a familiar title: "Existential Living" by Asher Rivers.

"Ah, Asher's wisdom," she murmured, picking up the book and settling into her desk chair. As she flipped through the pages, her gaze wandered, lost in thought.

As she delved into the book's pages, Grace's mind began to wander. She had always found solace in Asher's philosophical musings. His words seemed to resonate deep within her, echoing her own thoughts and fears.

Just as she was absorbed in a particularly poignant passage, the soft knock on the door broke the silence. Grace's head jerked up, and she smiled, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear.

"Right on time," she said to herself, closing the book and rising from her chair.

With a composed demeanor, Grace made her way to the door, her heels clicking softly on the polished floor. She opened it to reveal a man in his late 40s, with chiseled features and piercing blue eyes. His dark hair was flecked with strands of gray, and his well-groomed beard framed a gentle smile.

"Hello, you must be Alexander," Grace said warmly, extending her hand.

Alexander's handshake was firm, and his eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled.

"Please, call me Alex," he said, his deep voice soothing.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Grace couldn't help but notice the distinguished air about him. The gray strands in his beard added a touch of sophistication, and she found herself feeling drawn to his mature, worldly presence.

She ushered Alex into the office, gesturing to the comfortable sofa.

"Please, make yourself at home. Can I offer you a cup of coffee or water?"

Alex declined, his eyes scanning the room before settling on Grace.

"Your office is lovely," he said. "It feels... welcoming."

Grace smiled, taking a seat in her office chair.

"Thank you, Alex. The agency tries to create a space that's comfortable for the clients."

As they began to chat, Grace found herself feeling unusually at ease with Alex. She had always had a fondness for older men, and Alex's gentle confidence put her instantly at ease.

"I must say, I'm glad you're my first client," Grace said, leaning forward.

Alex raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"Oh? And why's that?"

Grace's cheeks flushed slightly.

"I suppose I've always been drawn to... maturity," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alex's expression softened, and he leaned back into the sofa.

"I see," he said, his voice low and soothing. "Well, I'm flattered."

The air seemed to thicken between them, filled with an unspoken understanding.

The session rounded up and Grace ushered Alex out of the office, following him to the intern halls. When her eyes locked in with her interns, she cleared her throat and wished Alex a lovely week.

“Dr. Harper,” Emily followed behind her when she turned to return to her office.

“Emily, get me print papers from HR, will you?” Grace interrupted, her voice firm as she found the curiosities and inquisitiveness in Emily’s tone.

“Yes, ma'am” Emily responded and went off.

“Sarah, I'm sure you now understand why interns aren't allowed in the offices while counseling is going on?”

“Yes ma'am. I do”

Grace had had a few sessions with Emily and Sarah, they had both asked why they wouldn't be in her office while she was doing her job with a client and she told them it was of utmost importance that clients know that they are in a safe space and that shouldn't be muddled with.

After Grace had dismissed the interns, she sat behind her desktop, she couldn't shake off the lingering thoughts of Alex's session. Emily's interruption and subsequent departure didn't help. She refocused on the next schedule, a new client: Rachel Lee.

Rachel, a young woman in her early twenties, appeared fragile and anxious. Her file indicated a history of nightmares, flashbacks, and dissociative episodes.

"Good morning, Rachel. Please make yourself comfortable," Grace said warmly.

Rachel nodded, her eyes scanning the room before settling on Grace.

"I don't know if I can do this," Rachel whispered.

Grace's empathetic nature kicked in. "You're safe here, Rachel. We'll work together to uncover the root of your struggles."

As the session progressed, Grace realized Rachel's case was more complex than expected. Her standard techniques wouldn't yield breakthroughs and even though it does, it might be too late and Rachel’s struggles might have consumed her by then.

That evening, Grace reviewed Rachel's file, pondering unconventional approaches. She hesitated, considering the agency's strict policy against hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy, though effective for some, was deemed too risky by the agency. Grace had always adhered to guidelines, but Rachel's case pushed her to reconsider.

“Am I addicted to using this method? But my former clients used to be fine. It's quite unfortunate this has to happen on my first day”

She couldn't shake off the feeling that hypnotherapy might be Rachel's only hope. The agency's restrictions seemed suffocating, limiting her ability to truly help.

The next day, Grace requested a meeting with her supervisor, Dr. Thompson.

"Dr. Thompson, I need guidance on Rachel Lee's case." Grace began.

Dr. Thompson listened attentively, expression unreadable.

"I see your concern, Grace. However, hypnotherapy is not an option. We've discussed this."

"I understand, but what if it's the only way to help Rachel?" Grace pressed.

Dr. Thompson's pause was palpable.

"Grace, you know the risks. If you're willing to take that chance, I won't stand in your way. But be aware: the consequences will be yours to bear."

Grace left Dr. Thompson's office with a mix of determination and trepidation. She felt the weight of her decision, knowing it could change the course of Rachel's treatment and her own career.

As she walked back to her office, Grace noticed Christian in the intern halls right before she opened her office door, a reminder of the agency rules. She wondered if she would take a risk with Rachel – one that could either heal or harm.

With a deep breath, Grace made her decision. She would pursue hypnotherapy, no matter the cost.