Chapter 9
Shaun and Claire were sat in the lab looking at an x-ray of a patient.
"The patient appears to have a slight concussion from his fall," Shaun said.
"He's lucky," Claire said. "I've seen worse injuries from skateboarding accidents."
"I'm sorry," Shaun said.
"For me seeing worse injuries?" Claire asked confused.
"No," Shaun said. "I'm sorry for treating you badly yesterday."
"It's okay Shaun," Claire said.
"It's not okay," Shaun said. "I hurt your feelings."
"Yeah you did," Claire agreed. "But I understand you were upset about something."
"Yeah," Shaun said nodding. "But that was yesterday."
"What was wrong?" Claire asked. "I know you don't like questions, but I'm just wondering."
"Yesterday was the anniversary of Steve's death," Shaun replied.
"Oh," Claire said.
"Every year, the pain just gets worse," Shaun said.
"Have you tried talking to a therapist?" Claire asked.
"I don't want to talk to a therapist," Shaun replied. "I don't need a therapist."
"Maybe you do, but you just don't want to admit it," Claire said. "I know how you feel. Dr. Glassman made me talk to a therapist."
"He did?" Shaun asked. "Why?"
"Remember that bus crash a month ago?" Claire asked.
"Yes," Shaun replied.
"I accidentally caused the death of one of the patients from the bus crash," Claire said. "I drilled a hole to deep into her head. It was a mistake that cost the patient her life. Dr. Glassman made me see a grief counselor even though I felt I didn't need to. But Shaun, I did need to see the grief counselor."
"And you are telling me this…" Shaun started to ask.
"Because I know what it's like to be in denial," Claire said.
"I am not in denial," Shaun said. "I don't need a therapist."
"Shaun," Claire said.
"Claire," Shaun said. "Please drop it."
"Okay," Claire said. "I'll drop it."
"Lea invited me to see a play with her," Shaun said. "I said yes."
"What play?" Claire asked.
"Finding Neverland," Shaun replied.
"I can't believe she got tickets," Claire said. "I've been trying to get tickets for six months."
"She said a friend gave them to her," Shaun said.
"Well," Claire said. "I hope you have fun. I will be right back. I have to use the restroom."
Claire walked out of the lab and over to where Dr. Glassman was standing.
"Dr. Glassman," Claire said. "I'm sorry to bother you."
"What is it Claire?" Dr. Glassman asked.
"I'm still worried about Shaun," Claire said.
"Did he yell at you again?" Dr. Glassman asked.
"No," Claire replied. "He's just acting sad again and he's in denial."
"Let me handle it," Dr. Glassman said. "You just focus on your patient and let me worry about Shaun. Can you do that for me?"
"Yes sir," Claire replied.
"Thank you," Dr. Glassman said.
