“I made a mistake.” Palmer’s jagged breaths filled the aftercare room.
“How did you make a mistake?”
“Some of the other girls were talking. They were just excited, but when I asked them to be quiet, Master Grayson got mad at me. Just me. And when I tried to answer him, I said ‘Ma’am’ instead of ‘Sir’ but I didn’t mean to. I just messed up.” Palmer’s breathing sped up as she reflected over her mistake.
Catherine got up and knelt in front of Palmer, placing her hands on the pitiful girl's knees. “Palmer, let’s work to help your breathing, okay? I know you’re upset, but I also know you’re a very good girl who is going to obey me, aren’t you?”
Palmer nodded.
“Good girl. I want you to name one thing you can smell for me.”
Palmer took a shaky breath and tried to process what she smelled. “F-food from the cafeteria.”
“I smell food too. I think I smell pizza. What about you?”
“Pizza,” Palmer agreed.
“Now I want you to name two things you can touch.”
“I c-can touch the rocking chair and you.” She lifted both hands and placed one on Catherine’s pink shirt and one on the arm of the rocking chair.
“Good girl, can you name three things you can see?”
Palmer blinked, forcing herself to focus. “I can see the wood floor, the walls, and the light switch.”
“Good girl. You’re so obedient.”
That was nice of her to think that. Palmer didn’t think she was obedient, not even a tiny bit.
Catherine reached up and tucked a curl behind Palmer’s ear. “I’m sorry you were so scared, honey.”
Palmer frowned. “I was s-scared,” she reflected.
“Can you tell me what part scared you the most?”
“I don’t know.” Palmer supposed if she thought hard enough she could probably figure it out, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to dissect her feelings in front of the confident woman.
“Was it because Master Grayson scolded you?”
After playing the events over in her mind, Palmer shook her head. Even though hiswellhad been sharp, she didn’t think that was it.
“Was it because you thought you were in trouble?”
“No, Ma’am.”
“Was it because your friends talking caused you to be in trouble?”
“No, Ma’am.” Palmer gave her head a small shake.
“Then tell me what it was, sweet girl.”
“I was scared Master Grayson was m-mad at me.”
Catherine nodded slowly. “That can be scary. Were you scared he was going to punish you?”
“No, I was scared...” Palmer trailed off, suddenly feeling very foolish.
Catherine waited patiently. “You were scared...”
