Back at the doctor’s office:


“The business of living is exhausting. I hate it. The busy work — brushing my teeth, the garbage, laundry, the litter, washing my face. Then you tell me to exercise three times a week, you tell me to join a social club for people who work out. You give me a whole list of things to do to get my life together, to be well.”


“You sound angry,” she said.
 

“I guess I am. And I can’t do it all instantaneously. I can’t come back after one session transformed.”
 

“I never said I expected you to adopt these changes overnight. I’m not sure what we can do here if I can’t make suggestions… I listen to you and reflect back what I hear. I help you set goals.”


“And I want to be the best patient. The best student.”


“I only want you to be happy. I don’t know better than you. I only make suggestions based on what you share with me.”
 

“I will never be a person who exercises.”


“Well, we should examine that, and we have.”


“I walk, I move in other ways.”


“Have you felt judged by me here?”


“Yes.”


“When?”


“I think you want me to end up with a professional gentleman. And I’ve wanted to want that, it makes sense.”


“He doesn’t have to have a 401k. If you end up with an artist who doesn’t have a 401k and you’re happy, then that’s all I want for you.”


“I’ve been seeing you for eight years, maybe nine. Is that normal?”


“Yes, it’s normal.”


“I don’t have any relationships like this one. I’m afraid I think you’re perfect.”


“There is nothing like a therapeutic relationship. I don’t tell you about my problems or my feelings. But you know I have them, right?”


“I know you’re human. Maybe it’s difficult to perceive you as flawed because you don’t ask me for anything.”


“This is your space to talk.”


“I remember when you came in once with a bandaid on your finger. I almost couldn’t believe you were injured.”


“What could I do to convince you I’m a real person?”


“You should come in with totally fucked up hair next time.”

is a writer in New York City. Her first book, In Many Ways, was published by Winter Editions in 2023. Her chapbook Doctors comes out with Copenhagen in spring 2026. She is also the author of the poetry chapbook Reign is Over (Choo Choo Press), and her work has appeared in Volt, the 1080Press Newsletter, Lit Hub, Recliner, The Quarterless Review, and elsewhere.