Chapter 43

She shook her head, blinked, and responded, “You only thinkyou can live without my help. It’s not possible. As a professional, I believe you should continue your sessions with me for the next few months, and then we can rehash this topic. I will continue to evaluate you, and you can continue to evaluate me. What do you think of this plan?”

“You’re afraid of missing me, Ariel.”

Silence contained the room as the two therapists looked at each other in an awkward draw. Eventually, she asked, “May I speak freely, Jaxford?”

He nodded. “Of course. There is no other way to speak in this room with just the two of us here.”

“I wouldmiss you, although I shouldn’t. I like to hear about your love life, your work, and stories about Auggie. And I would miss the lunches you bring me.”