*gasp* a double post? Could it be? Yes, yes it is! Merry Christmas, everyone- may this be my gift to you, whether you celebrate it or not!
Chapter 4 - Grief Counseling
It was a damp and gloomy day at Coal Hill, the rain coming down steadily all day. Clara had stayed after school to have what she hoped would be her final appointment with Mr. Davenport, one of the multiple grief counselors but in place after Danny Pink's -quite literal- car accident. Clara had immediately enrolled in the counseling after his passing, unaware how he would come back as a Cyberman and whatnot. A spare set of offices had now become almost permanent residences for the three therapists. Mr. Davenport's office was small, with a desk, desk chair, and a cheap sofa -that was practically minuscule- shoved on the other side of the rectangle room. Generic framed wall art hung in the white room, a few plants growing on the windowsill behind the couch.
"Ah, Miss Oswald! How are you?" The counselor asked. Mr. Davenport was short and balding, wearing a nice thick cable-knit sweater. "I'm...I'm alright." Clara said with a slight smile. He pushed his wire-framed spectacles towards his nose, grabbing a clipboard with stacks of papers attached to it. He flipped through multiple sheets of forms and handwritten notes, finally reaching the desired page. "Last time was even before the fall holiday...I also apologize for being out the last few weeks as well, my brother lives in the States and insists that everyone comes there for this 'Thanksgiving' holiday they have. Food's quite good, thought." He added, biting the top of his pen absentmindedly as he spoke and also read up if her case file. "They roast a whole turkey and whatnot- but I mean...it's all boiled down to a day to stay home a literally eat until you feel comatose. And you know what they do the next morning? The stores open at like- two in the morning! With the best sales of the whole year! I was dragged along with my family...and their version of Tesco is the worst for shopping on that day! Wally World? Wall's? I dunno. But it was an absolute madhouse!" He flicked to another page on the clipboard, "-ah, yes. Here we go. Before holiday, you seemed to be doing very well. So how are you going now?"
Clara thought for a moment. How was she doing? How had she managed to go from mourning girlfriend to such a strong, independent woman in such a short amount of time? She hadn't bothered to start dating again- there was no more interest in it for her. Men? Hah! Who needed them? A big buff man to bring home the paycheck and to watch football matches on TV with? Clara was already satisfied with her little flat and her online streaming services during football matches.
"I...I'm...I'm honestly okay." She began, getting more and more confident with each breath. "I'm..I'm doing more than okay, really. I'm...normal again. But not like going back to the old normal- more like making a new, better normal for myself." She explained, receiving a small nod and a silent signal to go on from Mr. Davenport. "I've matured so much since Danny died. I feel less like a little girl from Blackpool trying to make it in the big city. I feel like a full-fledged adult who...who can take risks and go on adventures and be independent."
Davenport nodded, jotting down notes with his pen before looking up. "So you're doing very well. That's quite good. Now, it seems like you may be in no need of my monthly help from this point on if you too feel the same. But if you disagree or wish to have appointments on an as-need basis, you've got my number." He added, "-but before we end this session...I do need to ask and confirm that whatever is bringing you the most happiness right now isn't temporary. After a loss that can be dangerous to have a high point that only lasts so long. You need to find a source of happiness for yourself or your life. A coping mechanism, yet a healthy habit." He explained as Clara nodded, her expression growing troubled right before she spoke.
"Well, I do...um, have this friend. We go and hang out on Wednesdays, and now it's becoming more frequent. I-it's not a relationship or a rebound boyfriend or anything, though. I'm pretty sure he's asexual.
Not that I go about trying to find out each person's sexuality...but I mean, he's not even that keen on hugs." She explained, shifting in the small modern grey armchair. "And he made me realize that what I needed was a friend. A friend like him." She smiled, happy at the mere thought of The Doctor. Mr Davenport smiled warmly over at after after writing down more notes in her file. "I'm glad to hear that, Clara. Call me if you wish to set up another appointment, and if I don't see you between now and then, happy Christmas!" He called, after Clara shook his hand happily and walked out the door.