Sarah woke up to her alarm blaring in her ears. Turning it off she laid back in bed wanting to sleep for a few more hours. She was nervous meeting Dr. Victor Waterstein, but she knew to talk about her feelings would help. She wished she could talk to her husband, but sometimes it was easier to talk to a stranger. Finally getting out of bed, she took a quick shower, got dressed and headed out the door.
Detective Jake met Sarah in her apartment lobby. "Are you ready to go?" Jake said to Sarah with a coffee in his hand.
"Do you need to follow me? I mean you know I'm going to Hygge Cafe. Which is across the street."
"I know. But we want you safe. You won't even realize I'm there."
"Fine. Let's go." Sarah said putting on her hat and walked over to the cafe."
The warmth of the cafe helped Sarah feel more comfortable as she spotted Dr. Waterstein at a table near the back. "Hello, are you Dr. Waterstein?"
"Yes, I am. And you must be Mrs. Matthews?" Dr. Waterstein said shaking Sarah's hand.
"Yeah. You can call me Sarah."
"Alright, Sarah. If you feel comfortable you can call me Victor. Would you like something?" he said pointing to the display case of food at the front of the cafe.
"Thanks, Victor, but I don't want anything. Can we get started?"
"Sure."
Sarah sat in a chair across from him.
"So why do you want to see me. I know you told me some things when you first reached out to me, but can you give me more detail?"
"Well...as I told you. I was sexually assaulted about a month ago. It's been tough to deal with."
"I'm sorry you had to go through that. I can't imagine how difficult it's been for you. Something like that happening is life changing. Have you talked to anyone other than reaching out to me?"
"Other then the detectives I've tried talking to my husband," Sarah said tapping her fingers on the table.
Victor crossed his arms over his chest then said "Is your husband not wanting to hear what you are saying? During times like this, you need someone there to support you. Maybe he-"
"My husband Chris is so supportive. He just is always watching what I'm doing. Making sure I'm okay. And because I'm pregnant he's probably more protective. I'm not as fragile as he thinks I am. I do understand that he cares."
"Then why did you decide to talk to me instead of him?"
"He's in the same line of work as you. I don't want him analyzing me. He wants things back to the way they were and they can't be at least not now."
"How long have you been married?"
Sarah looked down at her wedding ring and said "Five years."
"Has anything like this happened during your relationship before?"
"No."
"Mrs. Matthews, I mean Sarah." Victor cleared his throat before continuing "I don't mean to be blunt, but maybe he doesn't care for you as much as you think."
"What do you mean?"
"You said he's always all over you. Wanting to know where you're going and when you'll be home."
"It's not like that?"
"I wouldn't want someone asking me questions about my every move."
"Are you saying he's controlling?"
"I'm not saying anything. Just showing you another possible perspective on things." Victor looked at his watch to check the time.
"Is our session over already?" Sarah said glancing at her phone and thinking the hour went by fast.
"Yes, it is. Did you want to talk about anything else?"
"I can't think of anything else at the moment."
"That's okay. You have my number if you need to call or text me. I'm always a listening ear." Victor said with a smile.
"Thanks. Can I let you know when I can meet next?"
"Sure take your time."
"Thank you." Sarah stood and slipped on her coat and swung her purse over her shoulder.
"I hope our session has helped," Victor said extending his hand out to Sarah.
"There's a lot I have to think about that's for sure," Sarah said shaking his hand.
"Well, you have a good day."
"You too."
Victor nodded his head before he left the cafe. Sarah couldn't believe what happened. She couldn't think of her husband as controlling and selfish, could she? Glancing behind her she saw Detective Jake reading the newspaper and still drinking his coffee.
"Jake?" Sarah said standing next to his table.
"That was quick."
"Yeah, the hour flew by. Do you mind walking over with me to Chris's office? It's a few blocks away."
"I don't want you walking far in this freezing weather. Plus you should get off your feet and rest. We can head over now."
They walked across the street to Jake's designated car and drove to Chris's office. Sarah could only think about one person. Her husband Chris and if she knew him at all.
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