Maria Russano, MD
Author's Notes:
Now that I'm finishing up class for the semester, I can start posting the next story in this series. This is a sequel to Josh and Leo Jump Into the Hole, which was itself a sequel to Donna Falls Into A Hole.
I wanted to claim Josh and Donna for my own, but CJ Cregg threatened to smack me upside the head. So characters from The West Wing belong to Aaron Sorkin, John Wells, NBC, etc. Not yours truly. Ah well.
Previously, on The West Wing …
Sierra Tucson
Room 151 – Donnatella Moss
Tucson, Arizona
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Late Afternoon/Early Evening
"The friend jumps into the hole. 'Now we're both down here!' Josh, how many times do I have to tell you? I know the damn story!"
"The friend jumps into the hole," Josh repeated. "Our guy says, 'Are you crazy? Now we're both down here.' The friend says, 'Yes, but I've been down here before. And I know the way out.'"
"Dinnertime," the nurse announced. "You need to leave now," she told Josh. Donna glared at her boss. I can't believe you're leaving me with her.
Josh squeezed her hand, then changed his mind and enveloped her in a hug. "I'm still here," he whispered fiercely. "And I'm not going anywhere."
Donna Climbs Out of the Hole
Chapter I
Maria Russano, MD
Monday, March 28, 2005
Early Afternoon
Monday, 3-8-05, 4:15 pm
Patient: Donnatella Moss
Patient has firm handshake, good eye contact. Sat on the couch with her hands crossed, giving the impression of being closed off. Enjoys small talk but clams up when anything substantial is brought up.
Dr. Maria Russano looked up from her notes. "I can't help you if you don't talk to me, Donna."
"There's nothing to talk about!"
The psychiatrist perused her notes. "If I recall, you were in a horrific accident and are just now dealing with a pain killer addiction. I'd say you have plenty to talk about."
The Deputy Deputy Assistant to the Chief of Staff glowered. "It wasn't an accident."
"What?"
"You said 'a horrific accident.' They meant to blow up the Codel. They wanted people to die."
"So what would you call it, then?"
Donna shrugged. "A thing," she finally answered. "I call it a 'thing.'"
"Wouldn't you say a terrorist attack is more than a 'thing'?"
"Can we talk about something else?" Donna begged.
"I won't force you to talk, but we will have to discuss this at some point," Dr. Russano warned.
"I don't need to talk."
"Donna --"
"I'm clean now. I spent the ninety days at Sierra Tucson. My doctor regulates my pills. I don't need to pour out my woes to a shrink – no offense."
"None taken. One provision of keeping your job was to have regular sessions with a therapist. I'm willing to work with you. You have to be willing to work with me."
The patient leaned back against the couch and silently dared to therapist to pursue that avenue. "What do you want to know?"
"I won't make you do anything you're not ready for," Dr. Russano promised.
Donna snorted. "Well that's a relief."