The space between.

As Lisa's gaze drifted out of the mansion's window, the opulent chandeliers and lavish furnishings seemed to fade into the shadows. The news of her family doctor's sudden passing still lingered, like a whispered secret. Mr. Ethan had been a good doctor trying to help her out of unreal world and then he died at the age of 64 with a heart disease, though he had been buried 5 months ago but as they passed by it was hard for her to forget him. And then without a warning, a stranger appeared in her door way, Davis Brooks, the new psychiatrist her parents had recommended for her. He was hired to fix her mental health. His eyes , a deep shade of blue, locked into hers with an intensity that made her heart flutter . For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with unspoken questions " so , you're the new doctor" Lisa said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. Davis nodded ,his smile warm but professional."I am. it's nice to meet you, Lisa ". Lisa's gaze dropped to the floor her mind racing, what would he think of her,? Would he be able to help her unravel the tangled thread of her mind. Lisa nodded, her eyes never leaving his face . She felt like a specimen under a microscope but somehow she didn't mind. Davis sat down, his eyes never leaving hers ."I know this must be difficult for you " he said gently. " But I'm here to help.can you tell me about yourself Lisa?" Lisa hesistated unsure about how much to reveal . But something about Davis's gentle tone put her at ease . She took a deep breath and began to speak, her words tumbling out in a quiet rush. "I don't know what's wrong with me. I just feel lost, I guess ... like I'm trapped in this life and I don't know how to escape. Davis nodded attentively , his eyes never leaving hers. " Can you tell me more about what you mean by trapped?" Lisa shrugged, Feeling a familiar sense of frustration." it's just everything.....my parents, This house , the expectations , I feel like I'm living someone else life." Davis leaned forward, his voice filled with empty." it sounds incredibly suffocating. But I want you to know that I'm here to listen ,to help you find your way out of this feeling." As he spoke, Lisa felt a lump in her throat. No one had ever listened to her like this before. No one had ever made her feel like her feelings were valid. " Thank you" she whispered, her voice cracking. Davis smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. " We ' re just getting started Lisa. But I promise you, we will work through this together" . In this moment Lisa felt a glimmer of hope . Maybe , just maybe, this stranger could help her find her way out of the darkness. As her father's imposing figure dominated the room, Lisa felt the fragile connection she' d made with Davis snap. She watched, feeling a pang of disappointment, as Davis rose to follow her father out of the room. "Let's discuss your approach, Doctor" his voice firm as it trailed behind. Lisa trailed behind her mother into the kitchen, feeling like a child again excluded from the important conversations. " mother , what's going on? Lisa asked , trying to sound nonchalant despite the turmoil inside her. Her mother expertedly, chopping vegetables for dinner, didn't turn around. " your father just wants to ensure the doctor understands our expectations , Dear" Lisa signed feeling trapped. As she poured herself a glass of water , Lisa caught a glimpse of Davis through the window, standing by the garden fountain, his expression thoughtful as Lisa's father spoke with him. She wondered what her father was saying to him, and whether Davis was willing to help her after hearing her father's demands. The next day, as Lisa was sitting in the balcony, her parents having left for work , she gazed out at the sky,lost in thought before her attention shifted to the door. Then her eyes lingered on the door, expecting Davis to appear but he didn't. she felt a pang of disappointment . Ella's voice the silence, she was the house help who assisted in the house. "Lisa , your coffee is ready " Lisa got up and took her coffee, wondering why Davis hadn't shown up as she thought he would. As she walked back to the balcony with the steaming cup, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Just then, her phone buzzed . She hesistated for a moment before checking the message.it was from Davis. "Hey, can't make it today, something unexpected came up .will catch up soon". Lisa felt a mix of emotions, disappointment, confusion and a hint of worry. As she sat there,lost in thoughts, she heard the sounds of footsteps approaching, it was Ella again, this time with a curious expression on her face. "Hey Lisa,is everything alright, you seem a bit distracted" Ella asked, concern etched in her voice. Lisa hesistated, unsure about how much to share."I'm alright Ella " Lisa said. The bitter taste of the coffee matched the bitterness she felt inside. Lisa gazed at the swaying mahogany tree, it's leaves rustling in the wind like the whispers of a secret language. She felt like she was the only one who didn't understand the code. As the loneliness closed in around her, Lisa's thought turned to Davis.she wondered if he was the only one that truly understand her. But even as he was absent now, leaving her with her only thought. The wind picked up, and the tree branches cracked and groaned, echoing Lisa's own emotional turmoil. She felt like she was losing her grip on reality, just like everyone thinks. Tears prickled at the corner of her eyes as she whispered to herself" I 'I'm not insane.....I'm not alone". As the tears began to fall, Lisa's Vision blurred and the big mahogany tree that stood in the middle of the compound, casting it's shade upon the big mansion. But then, a gentle breeze caressed her face, carrying the sweet scent of blooming garden flowers, filled with vibrant colors and life, it was a secret Oasis tucked away from the rest of the world. In that moment, Lisa felt a spark of hope ignite within her. Maybe, just maybe. She wasn't alone. Maybe there were others out there who understood her, who saw the world in the same way she did. As she turned to head downstairs, she heard the voice of Ella. "madam please, I will like to escort you downstairs" Ella said standing at the staircase. Lisa hesistated, taken aback by Ella's sudden appearance. She didn't like being called "madam"- it made her feel just like a stranger in her own home. But Ella's kind eyes and gentle smile put her at ease. " Ella , please.....Call me Lisa" trying to sound calm, wondering why Ella have forgotten the name she has preferred to call her which was Lisa. Ella nodded, her expression understanding."of course, Lisa . Let me escort you downstairs" . As they descended the staircase together, Lisa couldn't shake off the feeling of disorientation. It was as if she was living in a dream, where nothing felt quite real. Even Ella's familiar presence seemed distant, like a memory from another life. When they reached to the bottom of the stairs, Lisa saw the hidden garden beckoning her, it's colours and scents waiting to be explored. As they strolled through the garden, Lisa noticed strange symbols etch into the stone beneath their feet.