Lyon was in his room practicing on his French verb conjugation. He merely wrote down each word and tried to memorize them in his head for the language to stick to him. He referred to the French workbook his father gave him to keep up with his language skills. He worked on this diligently since he was four, his father encouraged him to learn his language. As he kept up with his studying, he heard a knock from his door. "Enter," said Lyon.

Rad checked up on his son. "Whatcha doing, sport," he asked.

"Practicing on my French," said Lyon.

"Ah, good on you for honing your language skills," praised Rad. "So, do you remember what day is today?"

"No. Was I supposed to remember," asked the child.

"Today you're meeting with your therapist. Do you recall what we discussed last time?"

Lyon then remembered their last conversation a few days ago.

Flashback:

"So Lyon, I've decided that you will meet with someone to talk about your feelings. I think this is a good chance for you to talk about the nightmares you get each night," explained Rad.

"All I need to do is just talk," inquired Lyon suspiciously.

"Exactly. You can talk about what you're feeling about your parents, your adjustment, anything your feeling at all. It's to help you work out your problems so you and your therapist can find solutions to tackle them. Also, it'll help me understand you better by finding a way to help you feel more content," said Rad.

"I see," said Lyon. "You're not upset for me hiding my problems?"

"No, of course not. I can understand why you wanted to hide your problems. However, I think it's best to talk it out. Not just your therapist, but anyone you trust in your life: me, your uncles, aunts, Calypso. That way we find ways to resolve your concerns."

Lyon was still not confident with this decision, but he thought it would make Rad happy so he agreed to go along with it.

Present:

"Oh yes, I remembered. I get to speak with my therapist today. About my nightmares and parents," said Lyon. Although he was still anxious about it, he knew it was for his own good, and it would make his adoptive father at ease knowing he's able to articulate his feelings.

Both father and son left the house and drove to the therapist's office in East Ipswich. It seemed like a small building made from red bricks and trim beige stones. There was a sign that said Brisbane's Helping Hands. Rad parked his vehicle near the building's lot, and both got off to the door's entrance. They were inside the lobby, and there was a receptionist at the front desk. She was a Havanese with silky light brown hair; she looked at the duo when they approached the desk.

"Hello, did you have an appointment today," asked the receptionist.

"Yes, we're here for my son's appointment. Lyon Heeler," added Rad.

"Ah yes, you were scheduled at noon today. Please have a seat. Ashlyn Hound will meet with you shortly," said the receptionist. The two sat in the lobby. It seems to be a neat area with comfy chairs. There was a shelf that had several reading materials: magazines, books, and newspaper articles. Some potted plants were in the corners of the room to give the area a natural look.

As both Rad and Lyon sat down, Lyon examined the room with his eyes. He was still reluctant about his session with his therapist; however, Rad placed his paw to his to show that things will be okay. A light smile was shown to Lyon, accepting his adoptive father's reassurance.

"Okay Mr. Heeler. Your son is ready to meet with Ms. Hound. Your son may enter through this door," said the receptionist. Lyon looked up at Rad. Rad decided to say something that will relax Lyon's nervousness. "Just remember what I said. You'll be fine," he said. Lyon nodded and went through the room's door.

The room had a couch, and single chair facing each other, and on the chair was an Afghan Hound. She had a both dark brown and beige colored fur, and her ears looked very droopy. She wore a violet checkered pattern scarf around her neck. The therapist smiled at Lyon. "Hello there. You must be Lyon Heeler," said the therapist.

"That's correct," said Lyon.

"My name is Ashlyn, and I'll be your therapist. How are you on this fine day," she asked earnestly.

"Good. Very good," said Lyon while sitting down on the couch. "That's excellent," said Ashlyn. "So do you have an idea how our sessions will work?"

"Kind of. My adoptive father said I'm allowed to talk about anything I want. Is that true," asked Lyon.

"Of course. It's the whole reason why I'm here to talk to you today. About what you feel, what's going on in your life, and if there's anything I can do to help. According to my notes, it says here you've been exhibiting some nightmares, and that you keep them to yourself. It also says this involves your biological parents. Before we dive into that, I wanted to ask you a few questions if that's okay," explained Ashlyn.

"First, how are you enjoying your time at your adoptive father's place? Your family? School?"

"Everything is well. I seem to have gotten along with my adoptive father, Rad. I've gotten to know my new family as well: my uncles, aunts, and cousins. School is going well as well. I have made a few friends."

"I see. That is wonderful you have a good relationship with everyone," said Ashlyn while writing down on her pad.

"And what do you do for fun?"

"Well, I enjoy reading books, drawing, playing with my cousins and good friend Mackenzie, and learning my French."

"Those are very good things," said Ashlyn. She was writing on her pad again as she listened to her client.

"Okay, now that I've gotten to understand your situation, I would like to ask about the dreams you've been having. Your father has told me you talk in your sleep, and in some cases, moan, and shout. Can you describe what you dream of," asked Ashlyn.

Lyon twiddled his thumbs. "Well… they're not very pleasant dreams. More like nightmares. It's the same nightmare over and over. Each time I fall asleep, I can see my parents, and each time I approach them, they always avoid me no matter how hard I reach them. Then, they disappear in the darkness as I keep calling out to them. I've had them ever since the accident."

Ashlyn kept writing down on her notepad to get every detail of Lyon's description of his nightmare issue.

"What's worse, is that the last time I had the nightmare, it went over the day they were still around. Before they…passed away from the accident. I dreamed that day when the police showed up at my house and told me they didn't make it from the accident. It's like each time I go to sleep, I always watch them, and I have to relive that horrible day."

"I see. That is hard to imagine," said Ashlyn expressing her sympathy. "That one time I dreamed of that nightmare, I cried in my sleep. Rad came to help me by waking me up. I told him that one time I didn't want to cry because big boys don't cry, and he told me that it's not true. Anyone can cry."

"I think he has a point. Nobody is perfect. We all express our emotions in different ways. I think what you're going through is a healthy coping mechanism. You still think about your parents every day, and letting out your tears is normal to let out your bottled emotions. Think of it like a bottle of soda. When you shake the bottle so much, you can imagine how much pressure the fizzy drink is holding in from the shaking until it is overflowing. Once you open the cap, the whole drink is coming out completely. It's the same with anyone."

"That's…a strange way of putting it," added Lyon.

"It is, but it is a relatable example I always explain to my clients. When you have those nightmares, what do you do to keep your mind off them," the therapist asked.

"Well, I do like to read my books. They usually help me think of good things," explained Lyon.

"I understand. That's a good way of calming down after a terrible dream. Have you ever considered other hobbies or things to do," asked Ashlyn.

"Not that I could think of," said Lyon.

"Okay. And tell me more about your parents. Why do you think you keep dreaming about them or at least think about them?"

Lyon sighed. He had hoped she had a better question than about his parents. "I just miss them. A lot. I know they would be happier if I was in a safer place like with my adoptive father, but it just stings," he said.

"Do you ever talk about them with your adoptive father?"

"Not as much. Though, I guess I should. He really does worry about me. I just don't know how to talk things out. I don't want to show any weakness."

"Talking about these things is not weakness. It is strength. I believe if you talk it out with him, I'm confident he'll better the situation by listening and understand you better to have a great relationship," explained Ashlyn. "Tell me more about your relationship with your guardian. Do you think you enjoy having him around?"

"Of course. I mean, he did want to take me in when I had nowhere else to go or have any other family members that my parents know," said Lyon. "Still, it's sort of hard to call him 'dad'. I know he means well, but I feel bad because I'm replacing my parents that way."

Ashlyn can understand the wolf dog's conflicted reasons. It seems he has a hard time letting go of the past and accepting how things are. "I understand. It's not easy to get used to new things in your life. You probably still hold something special in your heart about your mum and dad. However, with time and care I'm sure you'll accept how things are. As for your adoptive father, he truly does want you to live a happy, healthy life. You are not replacing your parents. I'm sure they would be proud that you are in a better place with a loving family, friends, home, and that good things will happen one day. Do you think you might address him as 'dad' once things have settled down?"

Lyon thought hard about that question. "I wouldn't say right away. Maybe when I'm ready, I'll think about it," said Lyon.

"Understandable. Take things at your own pace," agreed Ashlyn. "Still, I think your adoptive father will be glad you confide in him. He means well, and I can tell when he explained your situation to me."

Lyon took note of his therapist's advice. Perhaps if he trusts in Rad, he may have a better relationship with him. Just now, the timer went on. "That's all for today," said Ashlyn. "I hope you learned something valuable out of our session today. Do you have any questions," she asked.

"Is this our only time talking today," asked Lyon.

"You may come back whenever you can. Just let your adoptive father know, and we should be able to schedule a date in the future," said Ashlyn. "That's part of my job. To listen if anything is troubling you and provide you the best solutions."

"Okay. Thanks," said Lyon.

"You're very welcome," said Ashlyn smiling at the wolf dog. "I'll have a word with your father for a moment. Are you okay waiting in here?" Lyon nodded, and Ashlyn came outside to speak with Rad in the lobby.

"Mr. Heeler," said Ashlyn.

"So how did it go," asked Rad.

"He seemed to have described everything perfectly. One of my most eloquent clients yet."

"Oh, that's good," said Rad sighing of relief.

"However, I can tell he still struggles to cope with his parents. It seems he may suffer from trauma after the events of his parents, and the funeral. He also says he struggles to confide in telling anyone about this, you included."

"I can imagine that was the case," said Rad.

"If I may, have you considered finding healthy ways for him to cope with his internal struggles? Perhaps you may want him to visit them when he gets the chance. Like leaving them flowers?"

"You know, that might be a good idea," said Rad.

"You may also want to let him talk about the good times he cherished with them. By not thinking about the negative, allowing him to talk about the memories he made with them will help bond with your son," suggested Ashlyn. "You may also want to find ways for him to spend more time with his new family. It'll help him keep his mind off the negativity."

"That's doable. I'm positive this will help him cope with this in a healthy way," agreed Rad.

"Definitely. You have a good son. It's wonderful to see a father and son trying to establish a special bond," said Ashlyn. She went back to fetch Lyon, and he came out of the room.

Rad smiled at his son and was glad he was able to find ways to help with his grief over his parents. "Ready to go, sport," asked Rad.

"Yes, I'm good now," said Lyon.

"It was a pleasure to meet you Lyon. I hope we can meet again soon," said Ashlyn waving goodbye.

"Thank you ma'am," said Lyon. Rad and Lyon went out to the door, and got back in the ute.

"How do you feel now after speaking with your therapist," asked Rad.

Lyon took a deep breath, and looked at Rad. "It went well. Not as bad as I thought."

"That's great. I'm really proud that you gave it a chance," praised Rad. "I was thinking, if by any chance you want to go visit where your parents were buried at the cemetery this weekend? We can go find some flowers and leave them on their grave."

"Really? You'd want to do that with me," asked Lyon.

"Yeah, I think this is a good opportunity to help you cope with it. We can stop by the flower shop and find some flowers you may like picking out for them."

"Okay, I think that's a good idea," said Lyon with a light smile. Both father and son exchanged smiles at each other and drove on their way home.

.