“I can understand that,” she said, her voice neutral. No, compassionate. “I don’t understand what I said that upset you, though.”
He rubbed his chin, thinking. Would it help to talk to her? “I’m seeing a therapist,” he finally blurted.
She blinked, but other than that, her expression never changed. “Okay.”
“That’s it? Just ... okay?”
“What would you like me to say?”
Whatdidhe want her to say? “I don’t know. I guess I thought you’d be surprised or...” He shrugged and looked away.
“Judgmental?”
“No. Maybe.” He took a deep breath. “Yeah.” He could feel her studying him. Like literally feel her eyes on him. He wanted to squirm.
“What was her name?”
He stilled. Then lifted his gaze to hers. “Jade.”
“And what did she say when you told her you were seeing a therapist?”
“That I...”
Could he voice it?
Maya simply waited. Not pushing him. Her eyes compassionate and calm.
“It doesn’t matter,” he finally said.
“Okay.”
There was that word in that tone again. He wasn’t fooling anyone. It did matter. He rubbed a hand down the side of his face. “She said I was weak.”
“She’s an idiot.”
Maya didn’t even hesitate on her response. That fact combined with her simple declaration allowed the tension to release from his shoulders and he laughed.
Actually laughed.Out loud.
She smiled and shrugged. “Sometimes I can be blunt. Sorry.”
“No apologies necessary. I can appreciate blunt.” His mirth faded. “But that experience with her made me realize that it’s not fair to burden others with my ... uh ... issues.”
“What if it’s not considered a burden? What if sharing them makes the weight lighter?”
“Yeah, I don’t know about that.”
“It’s in the Bible, Gideon. We’re told to bear one another’s burdens. You believe in God, I know you do.”
“I believe in him, I’m just not sure I like him very much right now.” In spite of the fact that he’d just prayed for God to help him keep this woman safe. And even though he was starting to see that he needed God. That unsettled him. He didn’t really want to need anyone.
“Ouch. That’s a tough one. Thankfully, God loves you whether you like him or not.” She smiled and it took the sting out of her words. There was no rebuke, just a gentle reminder.
He sighed. “I know. And it’s not really that I don’t like him, I just don’t understand some things and need to spend some time figuring those things out.”
“Which is why you’re here.”
“Yes.”
