ChapterFive
1377 Words
A month had passed since Grace's resumption, and her sessions with Rachel Lee had yielded minimal progress. Rachel's nightmares and illusions persisted, leaving Grace frustrated but determined. It was another session with Rachel Lee and Grace was determined to make this one different.
As Rachel settled into the couch, a mix of desperation and hope flickered in her eyes.
"Dr. Harper, I need to tell you something," Rachel began, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Please, call me Grace. What's on your mind, Rachel?" Grace encouraged, her pen poised over her notebook.
"I was a client of Dr. Fred's before...before he left."
Grace's eyebrows arched. "I wasn't aware. How did you find his methods?"
Rachel's gaze dropped. "Honestly, they didn't work. The nightmares, the illusions...they never went away."
Grace's eyes narrowed. "That's surprising. Dr. Fred's methods were usually effective."
As Rachel settled into the couch, a mix of desperation and hope flickered in her eyes.
"Rachel, I've been reviewing your case," Grace began, "and I think it's time we explore alternative approaches."
Rachel's gaze lifted, curiosity sparking. "Alternative approaches?"
Grace leaned forward, her voice measured. "Have you ever heard of hypnotherapy?"
Rachel's brow furrowed. "Hypnosis? I've heard of it, but I don't know much."
Grace nodded. "It's a therapeutic technique that can help access and process subconscious memories. Sometimes, our minds lock away traumatic experiences, making it difficult to confront them."
Rachel's eyes widened. "You think that's what's happening with me?"
Grace's expression turned thoughtful. "There’s a possibility. Hypnotherapy could help uncover the root cause of your nightmares and illusions."
Rachel's voice barely above a whisper, "Would it work?"
Grace's eyes locked onto Rachel's. "I believe it's worth trying. But I need your consent and trust."
Rachel's shoulders squared, determination etched on her face. "I trust you, Dr. Harper. Let's do it."
Grace smiled reassuringly. "Call me Grace, Rachel. We're in this together."
With a deep breath, Grace began the hypnosis process. "Close your eyes, Rachel. Take a deep breath in...and out..."
As Rachel's eyelids fluttered shut, Grace's voice guided her into a tranquil state.
"Imagine yourself in a peaceful place, Rachel. Somewhere safe and serene… Somewhere you would love to take a quick nap. Somewhere you would sleep.”
Rachel's breathing slowed, her body relaxing into the couch.
"Now, Rachel, I want you to go back to a time when these nightmares started. What do you see?"
Rachel's voice, barely above a whisper, "I'm in my old apartment...the one I shared with my ex."
Grace's eyes narrowed. "What's happening in the apartment?"
Rachel's breathing quickened. "He's yelling at me...saying I'm worthless. I'm trying to leave, but the doors are locked."
Grace's tone remained calm and soothing. "You're safe now, Rachel. What happens next?"
Rachel's words spilled out in a rush. "He grabs me...pushes me against the wall. I'm scared...so scared."
Grace's expression remained neutral, but her eyes conveyed empathy. "You're doing great, Rachel. What's happening inside you right now?"
Rachel's voice cracked. "I feel trapped...helpless. I want to escape, but I don't know how."
Grace gently guided Rachel deeper into the memory. "What's your ex saying to you?"
Rachel's words dripped with venom. "He says I'll never leave him...that I'll always be his."
Grace's eyes locked onto Rachel's closed lids. "Rachel, you are not trapped. You are free. Repeat after me: 'I am free.'"
Rachel's voice trembled, but she repeated the phrase.
"I am free."
"Again, Rachel."
"I am free."
With each repetition, Rachel's voice grew stronger, her body relaxing further into the couch.
Grace's voice whispered in her ear. "Rachel, it's time to let go. Release the pain, the fear. You are safe."
Rachel's face contorted, a mix of emotions swirling beneath the surface.
Suddenly, a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Rachel, what's happening?"
Rachel's whisper barely audible, "I remember...the night he left me. I thought I was free, but...but the nightmares started."
Grace's eyes widened. "What happened that night?"
Rachel's voice hesitated, as if unsure. "I...I received a package. A small box with no return address."
Grace's grip on her pen tightened. "What was inside?"
Rachel's eyes snapped open, her gaze locking onto Grace's.
"A small note. It said... 'You'll never be free'."
Grace gently guided Rachel back to consciousness. "Rachel, take a deep breath in...and out. When you're ready, open your eyes."
Rachel's eyelids fluttered open, a sleepy smile spreading across her face.
“Welcome back.” Grace said, her voice warm.
“Do you remember everything that just happened?”
"I'm so sorry, I think I fell asleep." Rachel said, stretching.
Grace smiled reassuringly. "That's perfectly fine, Rachel. You've been struggling with sleep, haven't you?"
Rachel nodded, rubbing her eyes. "Yeah, I haven't slept in two days. Your couch is just so cozy."
Grace chuckled. "Well, get some rest at home, okay? We'll continue next session."
As Rachel gathered her belongings, Grace escorted her out of the office.
Once the door closed, Grace returned to her desk, scribbling notes from the session:
Rachel Lee - Hypnotherapy Session 1
- Revealed traumatic experience with ex
- Mysterious package & note ("You'll never be free")
- No memory of session post-hypnosis (common phenomenon)
- Potential connection between past trauma and nightmares?
- Explore package & note's significance
- Increase frequency of sessions?
Grace's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. She underlined the last point twice, her determination growing.
As the day drew to a close, Grace packed up her things and headed out of the office with Stella, the receptionist, who had become a fast friend. "Hey, want to grab dinner together?" Stella asked, falling into step beside Grace. "I'm buying." Grace smiled, appreciating the company. "Sounds like a plan to me." Together, they strolled out into the warm evening air, leaving the events of the day – and Rachel's haunting revelations – behind, if only for a little while.
As they walked, Stella chatted about her latest dating escapades, making Grace laugh with her witty impressions and humorous anecdotes. Grace found herself feeling more at ease, the tension from the day’s work slowly easing.
Stella leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, Doc, how was your day? Shrink any brains?"
Grace chuckled, shaking her head. "You know I'm a psychologist, not a brain shrinker."
Stella grinned mischievously. "Same difference, if you ask me. I mean, you guys are always poking around in people's heads, making them confess their deepest secrets."
Grace laughed. "Well, it's not quite that dramatic. But I do get to help people work through their issues."
Stella raised an eyebrow. "Issues? You mean like, 'I forgot to buy milk' issues?"
Grace playfully rolled her eyes. "No, more like 'I'm struggling with anxiety' or 'I'm having relationship problems' issues."
Stella's expression turned serious for a moment. "I don't know how you do it, Grace, all of you at Doxon. I mean, listening to people's problems all day? I'd go crazy."
Grace smiled. "It's actually really rewarding. I mean, high paying. And I get to help people make positive changes in their lives.”
Stella shook her head. "I'll stick to being a receptionist, thank you very much. At least then I just get to deal with people's scheduling conflicts."
Grace laughed. "Well, someone's got to keep the office running smoothly."
Stella grinned. "Hey, someone's got to keep the brain shrinkers in line."
As the evening wore on, they decided to call it a night, promising to catch up again soon.
Even though they worked in the same building, they don't get to go home together often. Grace either closedearly or later than Stella.
Stella saw Grace off at her apartment, and Grace thanked her for the lovely evening.
Stepping inside her apartment, Grace felt a sense of relief wash over her. She kicked off her heels, stretched her toes, slipped out of her blazer, and padded over to the kitchen to pour herself a glass of wine.
As she sipped her wine, she gazed out the window, her mind drifting back to Rachel's session. The mysterious package and note continued to intrigue her, and she found herself wondering what other secrets Rachel might be hiding.
Grace's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her phone buzzing on the coffee table. She smiled, recognizing the name on the screen: Alex.
- Writer
