Broken Paths || Wen JunHui

Chapter 2: The First Steps

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The days following Jun's initial session with Dr. Da-Rae Kim were a whirlwind of emotions and adjustment. The hospital, while clinical and somewhat intimidating, had started to become a part of Jun's new reality. He had been assigned a small, modest room with neutral walls and a single window that looked out over a small garden. It was a stark contrast to the life he once knew, but it was where he would begin his journey toward healing.

Dr. Kim's office was a sanctuary within the hospital—a place where Jun could confront his feelings without the harshness of clinical detachment. Their sessions became the focal point of his days, each one a blend of exploration and catharsis. Da-Rae, for her part, maintained a steady professionalism, though she couldn't help but feel a growing empathy for Jun's plight.

Their next meeting was scheduled for the following week. Jun arrived at the office with a mixture of trepidation and hope, feeling as though each session was a step closer to understanding the chaos within him. Da-Rae greeted him with a calm smile and gestured for him to sit.

"How are you feeling today, Jun?" she asked, settling into her chair with a notebook poised in her lap.

Jun took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "It's been... a rough week. I've been thinking a lot about Hana and about what went wrong. I keep replaying our last conversations in my head." Da-Rae nodded, her expression one of attentive concern. "It's natural to revisit those moments. They can feel like unfinished business. What specifically has been on your mind?"

Jun hesitated before speaking. "I remember one night we had this argument. It was about something small, but I said things I didn't really mean. She was so upset. I keep thinking, if I'd just stayed calm, maybe things would be different."

Da-Rae's eyes softened. "It sounds like you're holding a lot of guilt about that argument. Have you considered that relationships are complex, and often, the end isn't caused by a single event or comment?"

"Maybe," Jun replied, his voice heavy. "But it feels like if I'd just done one thing differently, it might have changed everything. I keep thinking, 'What if?'"

Da-Rae leaned forward slightly, her tone gentle yet firm. "It's important to understand that we can't always control the outcomes of our actions. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don't work out the way we hope. What matters now is how you move forward from this point."

Jun's gaze dropped to his hands, clenched tightly in his lap. "I feel like I'm stuck in this loop. I keep trying to figure out what went wrong, but it just makes me feel more lost."

"That's a common experience," Da-Rae said, offering him a reassuring smile. "It's part of the healing process to reflect on the past, but it's also important to focus on the present and future. What steps can you take to start moving forward?"

Jun took a moment to consider her words. "I don't really know. I've been trying to focus on my therapy, but it's hard not to get caught up in what could have been."

Da-Rae nodded, recognizing the struggle in his voice. "It's okay to feel that way. Healing is not a linear process, and it's natural to have setbacks. Let's work on setting small, achievable goals for you. These can be simple things like improving your daily routine or engaging in activities that bring you some sense of peace."

"Like what?" Jun asked, his curiosity piqued.

Da-Rae thought for a moment. "Perhaps you could start by exploring some hobbies or interests you've neglected. Sometimes, reconnecting with parts of ourselves that bring us joy can help shift our focus. Additionally, practicing mindfulness or journaling about your experiences can be helpful."

Jun considered her suggestions, a flicker of hope appearing in his eyes. "I used to enjoy drawing. I haven't done it in a long time. Maybe I'll try that."

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," Da-Rae encouraged. "Creative outlets can be a powerful way to express and process your emotions."

As their session drew to a close, Jun felt a small spark of motivation. The idea of reconnecting with drawing, something he had once found solace in, provided him with a glimmer of hope. Da-Rae's guidance had given him a tangible way to begin moving forward, even if the path ahead still seemed daunting.

As Jun left Da-Rae's office, he felt a mixture of apprehension and cautious optimism. The road to healing was long and uncertain, but for the first time in a while, he felt like he had a direction to follow. Da-Rae watched him leave, her own thoughts a mix of professional dedication and personal empathy. She knew that Jun's journey was far from over, but she hoped that these early steps would set him on a path toward recovery.

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