CHROMO Countdown: 15

Today is June 15th, and that means you only have 15 more days to pre-order the special edition of CHROMOPHOBIA. You can place your order HERE.

Today’s story:

“Gray Rock Method”

by Lauren C. Teffeau

We sit, you and I, as we always do every week in my drab little office in a respectable part of town. We’re past the initial pleasantries and my baseline assessment, ready to start the session proper. And yet, I find myself hesitating.

You notice, offense and hurt all wrapped together, and I hold up my hands like a penitent.

“I’m finding it difficult to maintain the necessary distance during our sessions. Your tragic history…”

I shake my head at my inadequate words. When I think of the push-pull of our wide-ranging discussions, it feels like we’re only treading water sometimes, instead of the deep dive into the psyche we both need. Me to do my job, you to plumb the depths of all that still haunts you. But our lack of progress is my own fault. I’m not strong enough to share in the full extent of your burdens. I’ve never turned my back on my professional obligations, but I’m already bracing myself for what’s to come out of your mouth, as if I can make myself smaller, unnoticeable, overwhelmed before we even begin.

 “I feel it would be best if you found someone else, someone who’ll—”

Your eyes widen with heartbreaking alarm. “How can you say that? You’re the first person who’s made me believe I’m not hysterical for having all these impossible feelings.”

At some cost to myself, though.

***

You can pre-order your hardcover edition of CHROMOPHOBIA HERE.

And, remember…