The therapist playbook

FIRST STEP TO AN ACHIEVEMENT

That Morning in the school hall, the spirit of anticipation filled the air. Results for the university entrance exams were to be announced, suddenly increasing the air's density, it was suddenly thick with both excitement and nervous energy. Raphael and his friends, David, Curtis, and Troy, stood among the sea of students, their faces a mix of hope and anxiety.

As the doors to the hall opened, the younger students streamed inside, making a path between themselves, a guard of honour given to the graduating set, the now graduating seniors made their way to their seats. Raphael managed to secure a spot near the front, where he had a clear view of the stage. The sound of shuffling papers and hushed conversations filled the room as everyone settled.

Mr. Carter, the headmaster, took to the stage with an air of authority. “Good morning, students,” he began. “Today, we will be announcing our top 20 students who represented the school well on the university entrance exams. Your hard work and dedication are about to be recognized.”

The room fell silent as the results began to scroll across the screen. Raphael’s heart pounded in his chest as he scanned the list. When the names finally stopped scrolling, Raphael’s eyes widened in disbelief—his name was among the top 20.

David, who had been anxiously watching, grinned widely and slapped Raphael on the back. “You did it, man! Top 20!”

Curtis, shaking his head in astonishment, said, “I knew you had it in you. All those late-night study sessions paid off.”

Troy, ever the optimist, added, “We all did great. Let’s enjoy this moment.”

The hall was alive with a buzz of congratulations and shared excitement. Raphael felt a wave of relief and pride, especially as he looked at his friends, who had been a constant source of support.

Later that day, the school held its validatory service, a formal event to celebrate the students’ achievements. Raphael and his friends dressed in their best attire and arrived at the event, where the atmosphere was a blend of elegance and festivity.

The hall was decorated with vibrant colours, and classical music played softly in the background. Students and their families mingled, exchanging stories and sharing laughter. Raphael took in the lively scene, feeling a sense of accomplishment mixed with nostalgia.

Seated at a round table with his friends, Raphael and the gang reminisced about their shared experiences. The conversation flowed easily as they recounted both the highs and lows of their time together.

David leaned back, a grin spreading across his face. “Remember the science lab incident? We got caught trying to sneak in after hours.”

Curtis chuckled. “And we spent that whole weekend cleaning up. I thought for sure we were going to get expelled.”

Troy added with a smile, “Or the time Raphael tried that prank during the maths exam. Mr. Thompson’s reaction was priceless.”

Raphael laughed along, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. “We’ve had some wild times. I’m really going to miss this.”

As the evening progressed, the focus shifted to the dance floor. The students and their partners gathered for a celebratory dance. Raphael, David, Curtis, and Troy joined in, their excitement evident as they moved to the rhythm of the music.

David spinning madonna with enthusiasm. “This is fantastic. We should make this an annual tradition.”

Curtis and Troy displayed impressive dance moves, and Raphael, despite feeling a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion, enjoyed the dance, letting the music lift his spirits.

When the music slowed, Raphael found a quieter moment to talk with Dami. They had been growing apart, and this was the time to address it.

In a secluded corner of the hall, Dami looked at Raphael with a mixture of sadness and determination. “Raphael, we need to talk about us,. I think it’s time for we face the truth.”

Raphael took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the conversation. “I’ve been feeling the same way. We’ve been drifting apart for a while now.”

Dami nodded, her voice steady. “It’s not that I don’t care about you, but I think we’ve reached the point where continuing this relationship is more painful than rewarding.”

Raphael looked away briefly, struggling with his emotions. “I agree. We’ve changed, and it’s not fair to either of us to keep trying to make it work when we’re no longer on the same path.”

Dami took a step closer, her voice softer now. “I’ve been thinking a lot about our relationship, and it seems like we’re holding on for the wrong reasons. Maybe it’s time to let go and move forward separately.”

Raphael nodded, feeling a mix of sadness and relief. “I think you’re right. It’s hard to accept, but it’s the best thing for both of us.”

They shared a final, heartfelt embrace before parting ways. As Raphael watched Dami walk away, he felt the sting of their separation but also a sense of clarity and resolution. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with memories and the promise of new beginnings.

Later that night, Raphael sought out Jasper in their usual quiet spot. He needed to discuss his gift and how to make it more effective. They met at the park, the stillness providing a backdrop for their conversation.

Jasper glanced up as Raphael approached. “Hey, Raphael. How did the event go?”

“It was a mix of emotions,” Raphael replied, taking a seat. “Dami and I broke up. It was the right choice, but it’s still tough.”

Jasper’s expression softened. “I understand. Sometimes it’s necessary to move on, even when it’s difficult.”

Raphael leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. “How does a seven year old understand what a break up feels like?, i mean you've barely hugged a girl”

“Well you're the one who brought up such a conversation with a seven year old, i mean we could just talk about that's important” jasper said as he brought out a pack of candy and pretended to be having a smoke

“I’ve been thinking a lot about my gift. How can I make it more useful? I want to understand how to trigger foresight.” raphael said

Jasper took a moment before responding. “To trigger foresight, the vision must have intrinsic value. It’s not something you can control at will. The significance of what you want to see plays a crucial role.”

Raphael’s interest deepened. “Have you tried seeing something significant, like death or major events?”

Jasper hesitated, his eyes reflecting a mixture of apprehension and introspection. “I’ve attempted to see such things, but it’s not a topic I delve into lightly. There’s a risk involved. Sometimes, what you seek can end up seeking you.”

Raphael’s brows furrowed. “So, you’re saying there’s danger in trying to see certain things?”

Jasper nodded gravely. “Yes. It’s important to be cautious about what you seek. Some visions can be unsettling or even dangerous. It’s better to approach this with care.”

Raphael absorbed Jasper’s words, feeling the weight of the responsibility that came with his gift. The journey ahead was uncertain, but Jasper’s guidance provided a glimmer of hope and direction.