Instead of focusing on herself, Anya started worrying about Alvin who doesn't share anything. "Is it really necessary to share with somebody?" Also, there might be some things she doesn't want to share with anybody.
Doctor Bose shook her head, "No. Sharing it doesn't have to be with a person. Take kids for example. They cry out and scribble on things or throw stuff here and there, unable to explain what is happening with them. If you offer them something they like, they will immediately get happy.
Likewise, you can write it down on a piece of paper, or say it out loud to yourself. Of course, I wouldn't suggest you use aggressive forms of action like breaking things. Rather, go hit the gym, go out on a run, or swim.
However, when you feel like you need support, don't hesitate to find the person you could trust. It's not a weakness, it's great for mental health."
Anya considered making Alvin talkative so that he could share with her.
As though Doctor Bose could read her mind, "Anya, you could only help others if you take care of yourself well."
Anya smiled as she nodded. She was aware of it. She always took care of herself because Zane learns from watching her.
Doctor Bose hummed to shift to the next, "I must have sounded like an old lady nagging you."
Anya shook her head as she thought, 'I have a little old man at home, and he calls me Momma.'
She moved to the main reason behind her visit, "Doctor Bose, is there a way to get rid of the fear of physical intimacy?"
Doctor Bose recalled Alvin mentioning how Anya avoided a small physical touch before she slowly got close to him. She didn't know about the whole situation. So, "Would you like to share what might have caused you the fear of physical intimacy?" Then only she could come up with some suggestions.
Anya was aware she has to openly share with the doctor to resolve her problem. She was even prepared for it but she was hesitant to share something that was easier to be judged.
"Take your time. Don't force yourself." Doctor Bose recommended.
Anya relaxed first before she briefed whatever happened in the karaoke bar and after it.
Doctor Bose pushed the glass of water closer to Anya giving a long pause of silence, watching Anya. The latter wasn't able to meet her eyes for a few times before she was able to compose.
"Before we talk about the fear the day instilled in you, what is making it hard for you to face me, Anya?" Doctor Bose softly asked, despite knowing what was troubling her.
Anya pursed her lips. Alvin calls her a fool for trying to help him that day. Honestly, she was ready to listen to Doctor say her actions were abnormal.
To answer the question, "Though it wasn't what I expected, I did what I felt right at the moment. Neither my friend nor Alvin feels the same. I don't want to hear the same from you."
Doctor Bose nodded at her words. She wasn't there to judge her patients' actions. She was there to help them. "Accidents happen, Anya. We will be in situations where we either have to choose yes or no. Choosing any of them will hurt us but we won't get a third option.
Would you forgive yourself if you ran away leaving Alvin alone?"
Anya shook her head, "No, I wouldn't have done that."
"You chose to bear the pain for the one you loved. Your friend and boyfriend love you, they expect you to be safe. So it's alright they don't have the same opinion as you."
Anya nodded understanding she will have to ignore their opinion sometimes.
The doctor continued, "You were clueless about the situation so it's alright. Now, that you have grown over years, you are aware of how to deal with different situations. So you have learned your lesson. Be proud of it."
Probably yes, the pain, the experiences, and the hopelessness made her strong, stubborn, and stone-hearted.
"Coming to the fear of intimacy, Anya, what you have gone through isn't simple. I agree some people could move on easily, you don't have to be the same.
Considering how close you are with your boyfriend, it's already a great improvement. I would suggest you take it. Try to stop thinking of pain or your experience when you are intimate with your boyfriend.
If you broke down in the middle, it's alright. Stop him. You aren't obligated and your partner, may it be a boyfriend, husband, or a fling, he will have to understand it."
Then she humorously added, "Or else, dump him. I will help you find a sexy man."
Anya chuckled as she nodded, "Absolutely."
Anya abruptly stopped laughing and shook her head. She hadn't realized the duty of a wife intertwined with the duty of a husband. They have to take care of each other's needs.
Suck in a deep breath, "Alvin is damn patient towards me. As soon as he noticed that I was panicking and reacting strongly, he made sure I was comfortable."
Doctor Bose smiled seeing Anya smiling while talking about Alvin. Anyway, she had guessed Alvin was patient with Anya when she had spoken with him for the first time.
"Thus, I would suggest you do what you like. If you fear, just stop, breathe, and think. If you still feel like you couldn't get over it. Get your boyfriend to meet me in the next session. Alright?" Although she asked, it wasn't a negotiation. She needs a partner to help Anya get over her fear.
Anya didn't know what doctor would speak with Alvin. Anyway, she revealed a secret nobody knew about, "Probably he will be my husband in our next meeting."
Doctor Bose closed her dairy and chuckled, "That's great news. Congratulations."
After some more exchange of words, Anya left the hospital without noticing Benson spotting her in the hospital. And he immediately became a messenger to send the information to Alvin.
–––––––
Country X,
Alvin was entering the meeting hall when he received a message. He checked the message when two rows of his employees stood up to greet him.
[Ms. Owen visited Doctor Bose.]
Alvin's brows knitted tightly. He had told her he would bring her for the next session. Thinking she might be in some trouble, he strode out and dialed Anya's number.
Anya's mischievous voice sounded, [Hello, President Matthews.] She paused and asked for confirmation, [Wait, you are the founder of the company and top in the food chain. is it a Chairman?]
Alvin's tensed shoulder relaxed, hearing her in a good mood. However, he couldn't stop asking, "Little Donut, where are you?"
[On the way to pick up our baby.]
Alvin asked back without directly questioning her. He didn't want her to think he was monitoring her, "Did anything happen today?"
In the car, Anya looked at the smart screen. Alvin always retorted as 'He is your baby and my little enemy.' So she considered his question carefully and sighed, "Did Doctor Benson call you?"
Alvin: "..."
He had forgotten for a moment she was a super cop.
[I am perfectly fine, Alvin. If you want to know more, come home soon.] She tried to lure him using it.
She didn't go for any emergency and she didn't want to tell him her reason over the call and make him worried or angered.
Alvin wished for her to share her troubles with him and stop struggling alone. Especially with PTSD which she got because of him.
Anyway, believing her words, he teased her about getting back to his usual self, "Why do I feel like you visited the doctor to get me there asap?"
He could feel her silent giggles before she squealed. [My top secret is out.]
Alvin chuckled hearing her start the drama, imagining her funny faces. He had thought staying around her was fun but flirting over the call was at another level.
Before he could hang up the call, Anya quickly reported, [Alvin, I need to visit the Majestic Clubhouse.] The outsiders weren't allowed, she needed permission. Since she was free, she wanted to take care of the problem.
"Go and visit. I will see who would dare to stop my wife." He smugly said.
She planned to find the mastermind behind the entry of suspicious people and deal with him directly while keeping an eye on those people's actions.
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