truth arrested

Samantha’s session with Dr. Bombay began a few minutes late.

 

“Sometimes,” she said. “I go out in public without my glasses so that if I have to look people in the eye, I don’t really see them…I’m not so inhibited around them when I do this…”

 

Dr. Bombay nodded.

 

She reached into her pocketbook and pulled out an index card. “May I read you something?” she said.

 

“Of course.”

 

“I wrote it last night… I call it ‘Things I’ve Learned. I’ve learned it’s not always necessary to defend myself.  I’ve learned to leave people alone. I’ve learned that no matter how much support, encouragement, and education you may give to someone, they may not always rise above their own circumstances.  I’ve learned that a lack of motivation in a man will force him into becoming a confirmed bachelor for the rest of his life.’”

 

She continued staring at the card, even though she had finished reading from it.

 

 

After 30 seconds of silence, Bombay nodded and said, “That’s very penetrating… How is Derwood?”

 

“My boyfriend’s name is Darren.”

 

“Sorry.”

 

“We had one of our marathon talks the other night.  I told him he needed someone to be his hero.  He broke down and curled up into the fetal position.  He was crying so hard he was hyperventilating.  I got terrified for him… I told him he would have to find a job soon or else…”  She trailed off.

 

“Or else…”

 

Samantha began cleaning her fingernails with the edge of the index card. “Or else I would have to get a third job,” she said.

 

“You didn’t say that,” Dr. Bombay said.

 

“No… I didn’t…”

 

“But you thought it…”

 

She was silent for a moment. “Yes…”

 

She turned the card over.  “I wrote something else…”

 

“I’d like to hear it…”

 

“’ Every kiss begins with negotiations.  After negotiations comes compromise.  After compromise comes victory.  After victory comes the transition of power.  After the transition of power comes complacency. After complacency comes the separation of feelings.  After the separation of feelings comes…’”  She stopped and shrugged.  “That was it,” she said.  “I couldn’t think of anything else to write…”

 

“May I see that?”

 

She handed the card to Bombay.  He read both sides, handed it back to her, and said, “Tell me what Derwood-“

 

“Darren.”

 

“Right.  Tell me again why he appeals to you?”

 

She laid her head back, closed her eyes, and sighed.  “He doesn’t take any s**t from me… I can’t be with a man who takes my s**t…”

 

Just then, Bombay’s watch alarm went off, signaling Samantha’s session ended.

 

As she left the office and walked outside, she removed her glasses and put them in a case in her purse.

 

That’s when it came to her.

 

After the separation of feelings, she thought, comes the rest of your life.