It had been 10 years since they had last seen each other, 8 1/2 years since they had last spoken, and 12 days since she had last thought of her. Sitting behind the worn desk in the old brick building marked “Mental Health Ward” was a 27 year old Spencer Carlin, her head bowed as she briskly read through a manila folder. “Okay, you can let Ms. Specter in now.” She spoke, slender finger pressing the call button on the black machine resting on top of her desk.

“Good afternoon Dr. Carlin.” Greeted the very familiar red headed woman as she entered the room, taking a seat on the over stuffed leather couch in a manner that suggested she had done so many times before. No longer was Spencer just a confused high school student, struggling with her identity and a unfaithful girl friend, no she had grown and matured into a whole new person. Firstly she had a degree in psychology, and had taken to therapy for victims of abuse. She had always been drawn to people in need of saving, the lost puppy type.

“Yes it sure is Carol. How are you today?” While her tone was professional, her relaxed posture and easy smile worked wonders to soothe her patients. She felt like a person they could confide their darkest secrets in and feel safe they would remain safe. It was a benefit indeed, and her parents hadn’t been too surprised that she would follow in footsteps similar to her fathers. He was, after all, her hero, in all senses of the word.

“Better I suppose… Carl hasn’t tried to contact me in two weeks, my lawyer says she thinks she got it through to him that if he violates the restraining order again he will go to prison. It is such a relief, but I feel like he could come crashing through the door any minute now. And the worst part is, sometimes I wish he would. I miss him, and I know I shouldn’t, but I do.” The woman’s emerald eye’s pleaded with Spencer, as if somehow she could say one word and her problems would disappear.

“It is okay to feel a sense of loss. He was a portion of your life for a long time, it is only natural to feel something is missing. Just remember, every time you feel like you want him back, just take some deep breaths. You have to remind yourself of what he is capable of.” Spencer instructed, leaning forward a bit, “You look healthier, I can tell you have been eating better, that is very good.”