Linked Paths

Arc II - Many Firsts [Chapter 3: Coping]

A familiar voice then sounds in my head.

Suzuki-san: "Okay, Midoriya. Please open your eyes now."

And I do as I'm told. Just, when I open my eyelids, I am welcomed into reality by a friendly fox face.

Suzuki-san: *grins kindly*, "How are you feeling?"

I shiver, but not necessarily out of negativity, but rather because her illusion was particularly draining this time.

"Mentally exhausted and a little confused, but okay so far.", I answer her question.

Suzuki-san: "Mhm."

As usual, she then begins to carefully remove her acupuncture needles, which are dotted across my temples and forehead. In the meantime, I concentrate on strong and stable breathing.

Suzuki-san: "Midoriya, you were fabulous today. You can be very proud of yourself. I am very proud of you."

A smile forms on my face, "Thank you a lot, Suzuki-san." Well, I'm not completely satisfied and had expected more from myself.

When all the acupuncture needles are removed, she signals me to sit up. As I sit upright on the treatment bench, she hands me a tissue, which I use to dab the not yet dried tears that have manifested in the real world.

Suzuki-san: *waits until I'm ready*, "What are your three positive columns?"

At the end of each of our sessions, I list the important positive things I can take away from the incident that happened. I shall internalize these points like a mantra to cope better with the hurt. It's important that I focus on the points directly connected with the person responsible. Kacchan, who saved me and is clearly THE positive aspect about the horrible incident, shall be excluded here.

"Tamamushi showed me his true self before our relationship was really serious.", I recite the first positive aspect to myself.

"The substance Tamamushi used to stun me had no further consequences on my body.", officially I am referring here to the obvious possible consequences. The detail that this is particularly important in relation to my secondary I keep to myself.

Like always, I swallow hard because this point doesn't come easily to my lips, "Tamamushi didn't enter me. He couldn't steal that part from me."

Then I exhale heavily.

Suzuki-san: *nods, takes my hands*, "It's not all just black. You always find a thread that leads you into the light. Even in the darkest of places, you just have to look closely for it, and you'll find it, because..."

"Birds still sing on bad days.", I end her sentence.

Suzuki-san: "That's right."

Then she lets go of my hands. I get up from the treatment bench.

Suzuki-san: "I'm convinced you'll manage to go to the café today without any major problems."

I nod, "I'll do my best."

Suzuki-san: *smiles with genuine pride*, "Just like I'm used to from you."

In response, I can only give her an equally sincere smile back.

Suzuki-san: "Still, if you need me directly afterwards, you know where to go."

"Uhn!", I hug her heartily.

Suzuki-san: "And now go, I'm sure your guard dog is already waiting for you."

I giggle. Finally, I bow, "Thank you very much for today."

Suzuki-san: *waves off*, "That's my job, isn't it?", *winks at me*

I leave the treatment room with new added confidence, though, still slightly shaking legs as an afterglow from our emotional session.