Posted by Civilian Melaia Reez (Scientist) in Side Sim: Psychiatry

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Without even thinking, Ana blurted out, “but what about for you? You’re not ruining it for him, but what about you? Is it good for you?” A look of surprise at her outburst came over her face as she closed her mouth as rapidly as she had opened it. Her eyes focused steadily on Reez, interested in both her reaction and her response to the perhaps indelicate but important question.

Lt Darren, Psychiatrist

Melaia sat back a bit and gazed back deeply at Darren. “Are you married , Counsellor?” she asked simply. “Because when you’ve been through what Jon and I have, the life you’ve built together is precious. Against all odds, we’re together and we have two beautiful children. He’s sacrificed for me, and I will do the same for him. That’s what being married is. You can’t have everything all at once in life.”

~Melaia Reez

Ana began to slowly shake her head in response to Reez’s question, but paused to listen to the rest of her response. She took a deep breath, resisting the impulse to comment that such sacrifice wasn’t a logical foundation for a relationship. “I understand –” she began, noting that she really didn’t, but that it was a good start. “… but you’re my patient, so I need to be concerned that you are taking care of you during a time of intense transition from the role of commanding officer and Starfleet officer to mother and Starfleet wife. I’d like to schedule a check in every other week. You can bring your children if that would be easier.”

Lt Darren, Psychiatrist

Inwardly, Mel sighed. It wasn’t that she objected to the extra attention, but now that she was settling back into a work life, everything was bound to get a bit more level. Or at least that was her assumption. She spread her hands out to eh sides slightly. “If that’s what you’d like, I won’t object.” She might not be in uniform these days, but the part of her that had followed and enforced regulations knew better than to argue with ones therapist.

Ana looked uncertain for a moment as she said, “I hope that it won’t overburden you with everything going on, but I think that it would be good for you to have the opportunity to discuss your… evolution.”

“Anything else?” Reez asked lightly, knowing the likely answer.

~Melaia Reez

“Um, no, I don’t think so,” Ana commented, nibbling on her lower lip. “Is there anything else I can do?” she continued, awkwardly, realizing that it was a strange question, but one she wanted to ask just the same. She wasn’t a parent or a spouse, but she felt for this older woman who had her life changed dramatically.

Lt Darren, Psychiatrist