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Processing Her Weekend

12/9/2024

Sarah was pacing around the doctor’s office frantically. “And then he said it’s not Christmas until Hans Gruber falls off of Nakatomi Plaza.”

Grace wondered how Dr. Hu managed to keep from laughing. The doctor was neutral and placid, questioning Sarah and listening to her full mental download.

“I think you did well at recognizing your feelings this weekend, Sarah. You should be proud of yourself. This is a big step for you.”

“But it’s already ruined.” Her lip quivered. “It can’t last.”

“Is there something else that needs to be said?”

“Like what?”

“What evidence do you have for your assessment?”

“I know his mom is going to put an end to it. She was digging. All through breakfast, chipping away. She’s going to find out and she’s going to make sure I’m nowhere near her perfect family.”

“That is privileged medical information. How would she find out?”

“She seems like the type who could find out anyhow.”

“Perhaps. Do you think she would turn Leo away from you? Would he let her?”

“He doesn’t owe me anything.”

“That is accurate. However, is it worth being in association with someone who would discriminate against you for having an injury?”

“No. That sounds wrong.”

“Because it is. It is natural for a mother to be protective of her family and to want to understand a newcomer. It is unfortunate that anyone would still discriminate against someone who suffered a major depressive incident. There is no shame in suffering a broken leg or a chronic disease. A psychological injury should be the same.”

“But it’s not. People judge.”

“Judgment goes both ways, Sarah. You need to decide if it’s healthy to have certain people in your life. Hopefully, Leo’s mother will not be the monster you fear, but it will always be something you’ll need to deal with.”

“Grace?” Sarah turned to her.

Dr. Hu nodded.

“Mary comes across sort of snooty, but she’s always been nice to me and my mom. I don’t think you need to worry about her judging you. If she does, that’s her problem.”

“Just so.” Dr. Hu smiled. “There’s no need to project about this. If it comes up, it will reveal more about their character than yours. You have done a lot of work, Sarah. I believe you have the tools to deal with this effectively.”

“Then why am I so worried?”

“That’s human nature. Nobody wants to have the rug pulled out from under them. You’ve found somebody who makes you feel happy. Naturally, you will want to preserve that relationship.”

“I do.” Sarah gasped. The image of that display cabinet of rings ran through her mind. “Do you think he’s serious about me?”

“Only time will tell. Take your time and be deliberate. New relationships have an aspect of infatuation built in. It’s not until you’re comfortable enough with each other to let your guard down.”

“Guard?”

“What would you do by yourself at home that you wouldn’t be comfortable letting him see yet? Do you drink directly from the milk carton?”

“Ew, no.” She winced at that. “I caught a look at myself in my comfy bum look and took a quick shower before he came to take me clothes shopping.”

“Yes, things of that nature. You may not believe it, but if your relationship lasts long enough, you may actually share that with him. What you may also not believe is that he might not mind.”

“Oh, great.”

“Share.”

“Now I’m going to be wondering what warts he’s hiding from me. Does he drink from the milk carton? Does he itch himself and do other gross stuff?”

“As those are revealed, there is but one question to be asked. Does this outweigh the good?”

“Thank you.” Sarah stood and left the office.

Grace took her file from the doctor’s desk and returned it to the cabinet. “We’ve got Mrs. Koslowski at eleven.”

“Good, that gives us time to discuss your part in this.”

“My part?”

“What was your intention?”

“Leo gave me his card so we could do the lunch swap. I saw him fall for Sarah as hard as she fell on the floor. If I were her, I’d want to know that someone felt that way about me. I gave her his card so she could reach out if she wanted to.”

“Understandable, but the fact that you are here as my temporary assistant conveys a certain sense of authority. To a person like Sarah, that could cloud her perception. She is a follower. She sees your poise and determination. Even as an intern, she considers you part of her treatment team.”

“I’ve been trying to be supportive and detached, but I’m not sure what that really looks like. It’s easier at the Institute.”

“Keep social interaction to a minimum and ensure that whatever advice you offer is purely personal and not in the flavor of treatment.”

“She texted me in a panic about what to wear to church.”

“What did you tell her?”

“She sent me a picture of what was in her closet and I suggested an outfit from what she already had. Instead, she went shopping with Leo.”

“Because?”

“Because I told her that guys like to be the hero.”

“You see how that could be construed as professional advice? You intend to be kind, but natural human interaction becomes an issue. I don’t expect you to be aloof or to stop answering questions. You need to be aware of how your answers could be perceived.”

“It’s a question of ‘Do No Harm’.”

“Always. It’s cumbersome to have to try to think five or ten steps ahead, but that is less cumbersome than having to face an Ethics Board for a snap decision that went counter to intent.”

Leo was pouring milk over his cereal when his mother entered the kitchen.

“Good morning, dear. Is there any coffee left?”

He closed the carton. “About half a pot, I believe. Coffee? You?”

“I have some Christmas shopping to do and I could use a little oomph.”

“Hmm…” He put the milk back into the fridge and took his bowl of cereal to the table.

“Sarah seems nice.”

‘Here it comes.’ Leo leaned over his bowl. “Yes.”

“Shame she’s not Catholic.”

“She seemed to like Saint Cas and Father Tom. Maybe she’ll convert.”

Mom turned to study Leo. “Do you think that’s a possibility?”

“With God, all things are possible.” He dabbed milk from his lips with a napkin. “Or so I’ve been told.”

“That’s what I’ve heard.” Mom smiled as he poured her coffee.

“Is that the only thing you have against her?”

“Against? What can you be talking about? I found her delightful, if cryptic.”

“Cryptic.” He scooped up another spoonful.

“Perhaps evasive is a better word.”

“She lives by herself and her family has passed. I’m sure there are some wounds she would prefer to leave stitched up for the time being.”

“Oh, Leonard–”

“Mother, dear, you are a mama bear doing her due diligence. I appreciate the position this puts you in.”

“Do you, now?”

“Mm-hmm.” He wiped this mouth with the napkin. “A whirlwind holiday romance with a close personal friend of Mary Christmas? Even I am struck with the notion of something being too good to be true.”

“So, you have some concerns?”

“Do I ever.”

“Must I beg?”

“For instance, how am I supposed to live the rest of my life knowing someone so incredibly perfect for me exists and I haven’t met her until just now?”

“Be serious.”

“Okay, I’m also concerned I won’t be able to resist the urge to buy an engagement ring and put it on her dainty, freckled little finger.”

“Well, you can resist that until she’s Catholic.”

“I could switch to Episcopalian. You get all the ceremony and only a quarter of the guilt.”

“Don’t even joke about that.” She chugged her coffee and rinsed the mug out. “Really, I wonder if you boys say these things to try to make my hair turn gray.”

“You’re stunning no matter what shade your hair might be. She was very concerned about keeping up with you and Joan.”

“Keeping up?”

“She finds your stylishness intimidating.”

“Why? I thought her ensemble was both tasteful and flattering. As far as I’m concerned, she has a marvelous sense of style.”

“She’ll be pleased to hear it. I’m sure.”

“Leonard, you’re being flippant.”

“Not at all. It was a concern she had. I’m sure she’ll be glad to have her fears allayed.”

“What about your fears?”

“Redheads have a reputation for ferocity. She hasn’t shown that, but one waits for the other shoe to drop. No?”

“That’s ludicrous. Hair color doesn’t determine your personality. She seems very sweet.”

“I agree. She gets choked up over sappy movies, just like me.”

“Well, perhaps I’ll buy you two a monogrammed set of crying towels for Christmas.”

Leo snickered. “Now, who’s being flippant?”

“What movie did you see?”

“We went to the Five to see ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’. If that doesn’t bring a tear or two to your eyes, you haven’t got a soul.”

“It’s a good thing you’ve found each other, then.”

“I have to remember to thank Grace.”

“Grace? What for?”

“After we had our row over the gawumpkies on Friday, she went to Maslov’s and gave Sarah my business card.”

“How peculiar? How does Grace know Sarah? She’s only been back from school a few days and Sarah said she moved here recently.”

“I tried to ask her, but she redirected.”

“She did?” Mom drummed her manicured nails on the counter.

“She did. Yelled ‘squirrel’ so loud, I thought I was going to crash. In respect for her privacy, I went along with the ruse.”

“That concerns me.”

“All will be revealed in due time.” He finished his cereal. “As the song says, you can’t hurry love.”

“Leonard! You’ve known her for a day and a half.”

“And it feels like we were born for each other. I’m not going to jinx it. Either it works or it doesn’t. I sure hope it does. She’s so great.”

“If she’s so great, why is she hiding things from you?”

“I’ve known her for a day and a half. She gave us a platter of cookies. She went to church with us. She went to breakfast with all of us. Straight into the belly of the beast, as it were. I can forgive her a bit of feminine mystique. If whatever she’s hiding poses a problem, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

“You make me feel as if I’ve done something right, Leonard. I’m so proud of you. I must get to my shopping.”

Sarah was approaching Santa’s throne room when she spotted Leo’s mom. ‘Oh, my.’

“Am I catching you at a bad time?”

“Hi, Mary. I’m not scheduled to start until noon. How are you?”

“Very well, thank you. I was hoping to catch you.”

‘I’ll bet you were.’ She smiled and led Mary to a side aisle. “Here I am. What’s up?”

“I wanted to say again how delightful it was to share breakfast with you yesterday.”

“And thank you for inviting me. Everybody made me feel so welcome.”

“Sarah, you are a lovely person. I wanted to allay any fears you had about the family.”

“Oh, ha ha, you know how it is meeting people for the first time.”

“Absolutely. I was a shaking disaster when I met Murray’s parents.”

“That seems to have worked out.”

“No, they were horrible people. It’s a wonder he’s sane. I was hoping not to subject you to the same ordeal.” She pulled a sticky note from her designer clutch. “I don’t have a business card like Leonard, but my contact information is written here. Feel free to reach out whenever you like.”

“That’s so sweet. Thank you. I’ll definitely be calling for Christmas gift suggestions. Your grandchildren are so precious.” She took the note from her potential mother-in-law. ‘Is she going to spill the beans?’

“Aren’t you a dear? He thinks the world of you, and it’s easy to see why.”

‘If she butters me up any more, I’ll have to go take a shower.’ Sarah smiled. “Aw, how kind of you. Thank you so much.”

“Well, just wanted to say hello and feel free to call.”

‘And there it is. She’s inviting me into the lion’s den or the spider’s web or who knows what? Well, it will have to wait until tomorrow.’ She gave Mary a hug. “I sure will, Mary. Thank you, really. I have to go relieve my fellow elf. Talk to you later.”