Returning to No Applause, Only More of the Same Chapter 60, Therapy for the Young Man

Gerald stood there for a mont, his large eyes blinking slowly. Is it-, sorry, may I co inside? He seed hesitant to ask, and Darius fully understood why, reacting to the whole scene with a mild, relaxing smile to lessen Geralds fears.

Of course. Your English has gotten much better, too. Though, in my house, you need never speak too formally, Darius said in his best German. He hadnt learnt it for this specific purpose and he certainly hadnt had to use it in a long while, but it made him happy that he had such good use for it with the young Gerald. As Gerald nodded hastily, Darius turned back inside, making sure to grab a small bowl of assorted nuts and dried fruits for Gerald before entering back into the library. Gerald was right behind him, and after only a little mont, they were each seated in their respective seats.

Gerald eyed the bowl of assorted nuts and fruits with lusting eyes. Until Darius gave an approving wave of the hand, Gerald didnt do anything. Once he did, the teen went rabid, throwing himself at the bowl and stuffing the little salted things in his mouth.

After gobbling down about half of it, the boy carefully wiped his mouth on the edge of his long-sleeved shirt and sat up straight. Thank You, Doctor.

Youre always welco to anything youd like in this house, Gerald. Darius removed a blue notebook from beside his chair, a different one from the light-red one he used for Kreig. It already contained notes on their last session, which Darius quickly picked up from. Did you tell that Annie girl in your class that youd like to be friends?

This made Gerald perk up. Ah! Yes, Doctor, I did! Seeing her sit on her own was-, Im glad I talked to her. Jay agreed too, though she seed to have so strange idea that Annie deserved not having friends, which I found odd. Either way, Annie agreed, and she turned out to be nicer than I thought!

Gerald genuinely smiled at the thought of having gained a second friend, and Darius felt a hum of content seep through his body. They hadnt been eting for too long, but even at such an early mont as this, it was still clear that Gerald was making very quick improvents. As far as he had said in just the previous session, Gerald hadnt truly had more than one friend before coming to this world. And now, he had two.

Is she getting along with Jay?

A little frown found its way onto Geralds face. Im not sure about that. They are both very different people with very different thoughts and lives. They might beco better friends soon, but as of now, they have a long way to go.

Have you told your adoptive parents yet? Darius asked, absently writing in his notebook. His attention was fully focused on Gerald.

Huh? Do You-, do You an Andrew and Jas? Gerald asked, leaning closer. Yes, I inford them only yesterday. They appeared delighted at knowing I had gained yet another friend. Andrew went so far as to suggest he pretend to arrest one of them to see if they had any ulterior motives. Im not sure what he ant, Doctor. Is this normal behaviour for a policeman or ought I be worried?

Darius gave a chuckle. No, no, its nothing like that. Im sure he was just joking with you. You know how parents are.

...Doctor, Im not sure I do any longer. I hold no disdain for my forr parents, they brought up right, but now that I know these people, Im starting to wonder if I truly was raised properly. For a second or two, Gerald clearly mulled over it, leaning to clutch his hands together. Tell , Doctor, were your parents kind? As-, as a priest would be?

An odd question, but as a psychiatrist, Darius had every need to be as honest with Gerald as possible. I dont believe they were, Gerald. Few are. But my parents, much like yours, did their best. Even then, you have every right not to thank them for what they did, even though it might have been the best they could at the ti.

The best they could...Yes, Im sure thats what they did. Despite what You say, Doctor, I will still not dislike them. They brought to this world, and although it has not always been kind to , I believe, at this ti, it is a good thing.

Darius couldnt help the smile blossoming on his face. Thats good to hear, Gerald. Always hold that in you.

The rest of the session progressed rather routinely, with Gerald talking about how the school he joined is treating him, issues with the faint language barrier (he is still imnsely thankful for Jay, the only one in his class who spoke fluently enough to understand him and teach him English), subjects he found interesting and the like. Apparently, unlike almost all other otherworldly prisoners recovered, Gerald held no hate towards the English language, likely on account of his youth.

The only thing Gerald found unappealing about Jay was that she still hadnt let him go ho to her house, sothing Darius had told him was normal during an earlier session. In almost all other regards, Gerald was developing and becoming genuinely happy. Accepted by his family, welcod to his class without ridicule, able to make friends In a certain way, it was a far more positive developnt than Darius had ever dared to hope for. Watching a young boy like Darius overco such a terrible past was inspiring in an odd way and gave him real hope for Kreig.

As the session neared its end and Gerald grew more talkative, speaking in warm words about how his foster fathers had planned him a so-called movie-night for the evening (whatever that was), Darius readied himself to close the blinds on it.

Always glad to hear it, Gerald. Now, weve almost reached 17, is there anything youd like to tell as a final addendum?

Gerald, just as last ti, furrowed his brows and tapped his thumb to his lower lip. -Forgive ! I forgot to ask last ti, but has Kreig been released yet? Im sure theyre keeping him for a reason, truly, I, if anyone, should know, I Im just curious. When will he contact ? The phone I have is rudintary, but Ive been assured that, should I be contacted, I will know. Gerald waited a mont before speaking again. Do You think hed like his painting back? Its frad in my room. Im afraid I cant take it down.

Darius laughed heartily. Hahahah, no, not at all. Im sure hed be delighted to know youve kept it. He spent an entire night on it, not to ntion the days he spent studying your face. Furthermore, he has been released, although he still hasnt fully grasped the concept of modern technology yet. Until he does, you may be t with silence. Take it warmly. Hell reach you when he gets here. Keep in mind that he holds you in extrely high regard.

Gerald smiled deeply. Is that so? Then, Im glad. Thank you for telling .

Happy to tell, Gerald.

And so, the session ended peacefully.