A for Addy
The bare walls of the guest room gave an eerie vibe to Zack as he entered the space for the first time that month. Dressed in his usual gray institutional scrubs, white sneakers and black gloves, he took a seat in the familiar chair behind the table that him and Lance Sweets did his weekly sessions. Those sessions had become less frequent as of late. Zack guessed his doctor's absence was due to his recent full-time employment at the Jeffersonian. Sweets had been making his transition away from his private practice slowly, informing his patients (including Zack) that his availability would become more restricted. Just then, the heavy door opened, allowing the one and only Dr. Sweets to enter the room.
"Good afternoon, Zack." He said.
"Late again, Dr. Sweets." Zack mocked. Lance gave his patient at un-amused frown.
"Five minutes according to this clock, but on-time according to the one out in the lobby."
"As the great Eric Jerome Dickey stated in 'Sleeping with Strangers,' 'early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.'" Zack recited with a straight face.
"Has Hodgkins been bringing you books again?"
"No, he has not visited me in quite some time." Zack admitted morosely, staring down at the desk. "One of the caretakers here actually suggested it to me. I checked it out of the library earlier this morning." He looked back up at Lance. "Are the others doing well?"
"Zack..." Sweets began, but Zack held his hand up, signaling for Lance to let him finish.
"I know you have told me not to ask about them during my sessions, but I have noticed a reduction in their visits the past few weeks. Hodgkins and Angela have not visited me for a full month. Camille for two, and Dr. Brennan for three." Sweets sighed, bringing a hand to his forehead in frustration. "Might this be about my ties to the Jeffersonian and the team's liability issues?"
"What?! Who told you about that?"
"Hodgkins." Sweets made a grimace, making a mental note to talk to bug scientist later. Zack continued, "They've been limiting their visiting hours because they are afraid I could be a distraction towards their work." He worded it as a statement, not a question.
"Yes, some of the FBI higher ups have become aware that your old colleagues are visiting you on a regular basis, and they are worried you could be influencing them."
"Hodgkins has stopped bringing me case files, and whenever the others are here we try to stay away from topics about their work. Although, it proves most difficult, especially for Dr. Brennan."
"Well, apparently that is not enough." Sweets remarked dryly.
"Your intonation leads me to assume you wish to tell me something." Zack looked at Sweets knowingly. They stared at each other for some time, Zack trying to force the truth out of his doctor, and Sweets trying to remain as defiant as ever.
"...Can't it wait till then end of the session?" Sweets reasoned.
"No." Zack insisted. "It will only delay the inevitable."
Lance Sweets rolled his eyes. Sometimes he felt his patient's direct approach would be his undoing. Over a year into treatment and he still was nowhere closer to figuring out the complex mind that was Zack Addy. Thinning his lips into a formidable line, he prepared for the news he was about to deliver.
"The institution is looking into getting you a new doctor."
"They can't do that." Zack argued. "I am allowed to appoint my own medical examiner."
"Zack, you were allowed to pick your own physician, but if the Chief of Service has reason to believe my presence is hindering your progress, then I have no choice but to look into getting you a new therapist."
Zack opened his mouth, implying he was about to say something, but no words came out. He ran his gloved hands through his brown hair and sat in silence while listening to everything his doctor was telling him.
"I'll talk to the head of the institution. Maybe I can convince him to keep you as my patient, or at least give me permission to oversee your treatment with the new physician. However, I cannot promise anything. When the FBI gets involved, they usually get their way."
Zack nodded his head. "I understand."
Knowing the topic to be closed, Sweets opened his notebook and took out his pen. "So, shall we continue on with the session?"
The remainder of time was spent talking as usual, except Lance could not get responses out of Zack like he usually did. They ended early, with Sweets informing Zack he would be in contact over the next week. Zack was then escorted back to his room. He laid down on his bed, feeling oddly tired for only being up a few hours that day. He concluded the stressful events of the morning had taken their toll on his emotional and physical state. He wanted to take a nap, but his mind told him it would be absurd and counter-productive.
Logic be damned, he decided.
Drifting into a sleepy state, Zack for once gave into his inner desires and closed his eyes.
Okay, did I do alright? Was it rushed? Did everyone seem in character? Did the reasoning behind everything make sense?