Page 16 of Master B-1901
“I like pears.”
“Do you have one?”
“Yes.”
“Imagineyou’re taking a bite. Tell me how it tastes.”
My Master’s finger twitched. One tap against his leg. Two.
“It’s good. Really good.”
“Hold to the pear. When you feel ready, take another bite. While you do so, walk around and tell me what you see.”
A low sound left Braddock.
“I’m at the entrance to my grandfather’s gardens. There’s…no one here. Just me.”
“Perfect. That’s good. You’re holding to your blanket.Imagineputting it over your shoulders. Hug it to you as you walk around and eat your pear.You’re safe.You’ve never felt so at home. Can you feel it? See it?”
“Yes.”
The Main Master threw the female doctor a smile.
“I want you to keep exploring. Walk out of the gardens and tell me what else you see.”
My Master’s lips separated, and he let out a breath. Seconds passed. A minute.
“I’m in front of a house. A large brick house. But…it’s not Pappy’s house…I don’t like this. I…I don’t want to go inside.”
The Main Master looked confused.
“You don’t have to. Take a deep breath. You’re safe. Tell me what this house looks like.”
“It’s brown brick. It’s big. Really big.”
“Brown brick.” The Main Master’s fist came to his mouth as he paused. He seemed to be thinking. “Is it possible that it’s your parent’s house? It used to be brown.”
“I…don’t like it.”
“It’s okay. What else do you see? Does the house have shutters?”
“…yes. They’re a…off-white color. Like a cream. And.” Braddock’s hands started shaking in his lap. “He’s looking at me through the window.”
“Who is?”
“I don’t want to see him.I want to leave.”
“Soon. You’re safe here with me. Hold to your blanket. Let it comfort you. I want you to take in this person at the window. What does he look like? Who’s looking at you?”
My Master’s head shook hard. “He’s covered in blood. He’s…angry. Fuck. Oh, God. No. I want to leave.”
“Brad, who’s at the window? Look into his face. Who is it?”
“You know who it is.”
The Main Master’s head shook. “No…I don’t. You have to tell me. Who is it?”
“It’s…him.It’s Braddock.”