The therapist playbook

WE EXIST

Raphael’s days were filled with a mixture of anticipation and nervous energy. He had been pursuing Dami with a quiet determination, his feelings for her growing stronger with each passing day. She was different from Oma; there was something about Dami that intrigued him, kept him guessing. And finally, after weeks of subtle gestures, shared looks, and tentative conversations, Dami gave him an answer.

It was during lunch when she walked up to Raphael as he sat with his friends under their usual spot in the shade. Her approach was casual, almost nonchalant, but there was a seriousness in her eyes that caught Raphael off guard.

“Hey,” she began, her voice soft but clear. “I’ve been thinking about what you said… about us.”

Raphael felt his heart skip a beat. He leaned forward, trying to read her expression. “Yeah?”

Dami smiled, a small, almost shy smile that made his heart flutter. “Let’s give it a try. You and me.”

For a moment, Raphael couldn’t believe his ears. His friends, who had been half-listening, turned their attention fully to the conversation, their expressions shifting from curiosity to surprise.

“Really?” Raphael asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

Dami nodded, her eyes locking onto his. “Yeah, really. But let’s take it slow, okay?”

Raphael’s face broke into a grin, unable to hide his excitement. “Absolutely. Slow is good.”

As Dami walked away, Raphael’s friends erupted into congratulatory backslaps and teasing remarks, but all he could focus on was the warmth spreading through his chest. He had finally gotten through to her.

However, just as things seemed to be falling into place, life threw Raphael another curveball. It was a week after Dami had agreed to go out with him. Raphael was leaving his classroom when he noticed a girl standing by the door, waiting. She was petite, with dark curly hair and large, expressive eyes. She looked younger, and Raphael recognized her from the junior classes.

“Hi, Raphael,” she greeted him, her voice slightly trembling but filled with determination.

“Hey,” Raphael responded, trying to place her name. “Rachel, right?”

Rachel nodded, looking relieved that he remembered. “Yeah, that’s me. Um, I was wondering if you’d like to hang out sometime? Maybe… maybe go on a date?”

Raphael blinked, surprised by the directness of her request. He hadn’t seen this coming. Rachel was two classes younger, but she had a reputation for being smart and confident beyond her years.

“Wow, uh, I wasn’t expecting that,” Raphael admitted, trying to buy himself some time to think.

Rachel gave a nervous laugh. “I know it’s kind of out of the blue, but I’ve liked you for a while, and I figured it was worth a shot.”

Raphael was flattered, but he was also aware of the delicate situation with Dami. “I’m really flattered, Rachel. But I just started seeing someone…”

Rachel’s face fell slightly, but she quickly masked her disappointment. “Oh, I see. Well, if you ever change your mind, let me know, okay?”

Raphael nodded, appreciative of her straightforwardness. “Sure thing.”

As Rachel walked away, Raphael couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. The last thing he wanted was to hurt anyone, but he couldn’t deny that her interest had stirred something in him. It was a feeling he hadn’t expected, and it left him slightly unsettled.

A few days later, Raphael found himself on a date—not with Dami, but with Rachel. Despite his initial hesitation, he had agreed to hang out with her, thinking it would be a casual outing. They met at a small café near the school, a place popular among students for its relaxed atmosphere and affordable menu.

Rachel was lively and engaging, her conversation filled with interesting anecdotes and sharp wit. Raphael found himself enjoying her company more than he had anticipated. She was different from Dami—less mysterious, more open, and in a way, less complicated.

As they sat across from each other, sipping on milkshakes, Rachel suddenly leaned forward, her expression serious. “I know you’re with Dami, and I’m not trying to mess that up. I just… I just wanted to spend some time with you, you know?”

Raphael looked at her, surprised by her honesty. “I get that. And I’m glad we’re hanging out. You’re really cool, Rachel.”

She smiled, a genuine smile that lit up her face. “Thanks, Raphael. You’re pretty cool too.”

The rest of the date passed in a blur of laughter and easy conversation. When they finally parted ways, Raphael felt a strange mix of emotions—guilt, happiness, and a small, nagging feeling of uncertainty.

The school days continued to pass, and Raphael settled into his new routine with Dami. Their relationship was still in its early stages, but there was a comfort in their interactions, a sense of something slowly building.

But just when things seemed to be calming down, life threw another surprise at Raphael.

He was hanging out with his friends in the courtyard during a break when he noticed Dami talking to Curtis. They were standing a little too close, their conversation animated and filled with laughter. Something about the way Dami looked at Curtis made Raphael’s stomach twist.

He brushed it off at first, telling himself he was being paranoid. But over the next few days, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. He started noticing more—how Dami seemed to light up around Curtis, how she often sought him out in conversations, how they shared inside jokes Raphael wasn’t a part of.

And then, one afternoon, Raphael’s worst fears were confirmed. He overheard a conversation between two girls from Dami’s class, whispering about how it was obvious that Dami had a crush on Curtis. The words hit Raphael like a punch to the gut, leaving him reeling.

He wanted to confront Dami, to demand answers, but something held him back. Maybe it was fear, maybe it was pride, but instead, he kept his suspicions to himself, letting them fester.

As if the situation with Dami wasn’t enough, Raphael’s life took another unexpected turn. It happened on a seemingly ordinary day after school. Raphael was walking to the bus stop when he saw a small figure standing near the entrance of the school, half-hidden in the shadows.

It was a boy, no older than seven, with dark hair and wide, frightened eyes. Raphael’s heart skipped a beat as he recognized him—it was the boy from his dream.

For a moment, Raphael stood frozen, unsure if he was seeing things. But when the boy turned his head and their eyes met, there was no doubt. The boy was real.

They didn’t exchange words, but the recognition was mutual. The boy held Raphael’s gaze for a moment longer, then turned and walked away with a group of friends. Raphael stood there, rooted to the spot, watching the boy disappear into the crowd. His goal of making himself known to Raphael was achieved.

Raphael was left standing there, his heart pounding, his mind swirling with questions. He had no answers, but one thing was certain—this was only the beginning of something much bigger.