Tommy’s instinct was to say her, but he held that in, examining it. Was he using her? He hoped not.
Ru leaned in and hugged Tommy. “How about we get you to therapy now? Your therapist can help you sort through some of this. I can see the cogs turning in your head.”
“They are still a bit squeaky,” Tommy admitted.
“But at least they’re turning,” Ru pointed out. “No shutdown today.”
Tommy blinked. He hadn’t. Even when he cried. His thoughts hadn’t narrowed to the void of fear. Emotions over the top, yes, but not dropping him off a cliff into madness. That had to be progress.
He breathed out a long exhale, counting slowly, and then got up. His legs a bit shaky. He’d had a big day, confronted his father and this unknown doctor who wanted to take over his life. And he hadn’t come completely unraveled. He had a little break to recover, minutes, not hours or days, and now he was ready to talk out some stuff. Maybe gain a bit more clarity. It was a win in his book, even if it wasn’t a total victory yet.
“Walk me to therapy?” Tommy asked.
“Sure,” Ru agreed. “I’ll drop you off, then head to the lobby to work on some homework until lunch, if that’s okay?”
“That would be great,” Tommy agreed.
