Chapter 47
**Chapter 47: Ena p>
Nathaniel took a deep breath and nodded, his resolve firming as he spoke. “Could I steal a moment of your time? I’m willing to pay for it. Just tell me your price. I truly need someone to talk to p>
Memories flooded back to him, vivid and bittersweet. Doctor Lin had been a beacon of hope during his childhood, a guiding light in the darkness of his grief. Though he had never completed his treatment, her presence had been instrumental in helping him accept the harsh reality of his father’s death.
“You seem a bit lost, Nathaniel,” the doctor observed, her voice warm and inviting. She gestured toward her office, the door slightly ajar. “Why don’t you come inside? Let’s have a chat p>
Once inside, Nathaniel settled onto the plush sofa, the familiar scent of old books and herbal tea wrapping around him like a comforting blanket. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and began to pour out the tumult of emotions that had built up over the years. He spoke of his father, the fight for justice, and then, inevitably, of Serena.
His phone buzzed incessantly in his pocket, the screen lighting up with messages from friends who were undoubtedly checking in on him. But he felt utterly drained, devoid of the energy or inclination to engage with anyone. All he wanted was to unburden himself, to let the weight of his heartache spill forth.
“Doctor, I finally brought my father’s death to justice,” Nathaniel confessed, his voice trembling slightly. “Victor Kline is behind bars for killing my father. His associates are facing trial for conspiracy. For a fleeting moment, I felt relief wash over me. It was as if I had finally closed a chapter p>
He exhaled shakily, the air escaping his lungs like a deflating balloon. “But now, with my wife gone, all I’m left with is this gaping emptiness p>
He buried his face in his hands, the enormity of his regret crashing down on him like a tidal wave.
“I regret it,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “God, I regret leaving her. I thought that distancing myself would somehow make everything right. Instead, I ended up pushing away the one person who ever brought me any semblance of peace p>
“You made those choices while you were overwhelmed, Nathaniel,” the psychologist replied gently, her tone soothing. “You were consumed by the need to seek justice for your father, terrified of losing your mother to her illness, all while trying to maintain a façade of strength. You were carrying years of unresolved anger, and it was too much to bear p>
Her eyes locked onto his, unwavering and empathetic, never once casting judgment.
“That doesn’t absolve your decisions,” she continued softly, “but it does make you human. People often make painful choices when they’re drowning in fear and uncertainty p>
“You’re not beyond repair, Nathaniel. Your regret signifies that you’re beginning to see things with clarity,” she added, her voice firm yet compassionate. “And that clarity… it’s the first step toward healing p>
Nathaniel swallowed hard, his fists clenching tightly as he fought back the tears threatening to spill over.
Dr. Lin leaned in slightly, her voice gaining strength. “What truly matters now is how you choose to handle this guilt. You can allow it to consume you, or you can let it transform you p>
“You loved her, and that’s why this pain feels so profound. Self-punishment won’t bring her back, but understanding your own heart might prevent you from making the same mistakes again p>
His jaw tightened, tears stinging his eyes as he grappled with the weight of her words.
“And Nathaniel,” she added gently, “you deserve help too. Seeking justice for your father was just one battle. Forgiving yourself will be another. Let’s set up regular meetings from now on p>
Eventually, their session came to a close, and Nathaniel felt a flicker of relief. It was as if a heavy burden had been lifted, if only slightly.
One thing was clear to him: if he couldn’t make amends with Serena now, he would find a way to pay it forward.
As he prepared to leave, his gaze caught on a drawing framed on the wall to his left.
It was a simple yet elegant depiction of a flower, its colors vibrant and alive.
“I remember that,” Nathaniel said, his voice filled with nostalgia. “Ena made this for you p>
In an instant, he noticed the doctor’s demeanor skift; she seemed to freeze momentarily, a shadow passing over her face. Concerned, he asked, “How is… Ena, doctor? remember speaking with her every day while waiting for my appointment. She once confided in me that her father hurt her. I can’t forget that, because despite the fear that enveloped her, she still offered me a piece of candy each time we met p>
Ena and Nathaniel had been fellow patients of Dr. Lin during their childhood. Ena always had her session in the afternoon, with Nathaniel’s appointment following right after. That routine had forged a bond between them.
The doctor offered a faint smile, her eyes reflecting a mix of warmth and sorrow. “You know I can’t discuss other patients, Nathaniel. It’s against the rules. ut yes, I remember That brer friendship between you and Ena brought her joy during our sessions. And I would say the same for you. You both helped each other
in ways you may not fully understand p>
“Please, doctor,” Nathaniel implored, his voice thick with emotion. “I really want to know how Ena is doing p>
Dr. Lin hesitated, her brow furrowing as she considered her next words. After a moment, she shook her head slowly. “I believe she is gone p>
“What?” Nathaniel gasped, his heart sinking into his stomach. “Why? How? Did her father hurt her again p>
Doctor Lin hesitated once more, the
weight of her words hanging heavily in the air. Finally, she said, “Normally,
I wouldn’t divulge any information.
Patientconfidentiality remains intact, no matter how much time has passed p>
She paused, her voice softening. “But… given that she is officially presumed gone, I believe you have the right to know p>
Nathaniel frowned, confusion etched across his face. “What do you mean, doctor p>
“The little girl you remember, Ena? Her full name was Serena Kline,” Dr. Lin finally revealed, her eyes filled with compassion. “You married her, Nathaniel. I’m truly sorry that it never worked out for both of you p>
The revelation hit Nathaniel like a thunderbolt, shattering his world into a million irretrievable pieces.