As we're walking, I can't help but think that I must've jinxed it. I'm witnessing the serious Dr. Weld I was worried about facing. I definitely prefer the bubbly, loud woman I was just with. We hit a long hallway I haven't seen before. Seems to be staff offices and hers is the main, big one at the end of the hall. We get inside.

"Please, take a seat" Dr. Weld says calmly and I obey. A silence is thick in the air as she takes a seat at her desk and looks heavily in thought. I fidget feeling guilty and responsible even though I know I didn't do anything wrong. I feel the need to break the silence.

“Ma’am, I’m sorry. I don't know what to really say… I'm not sure what happened. She wasn't there, then she was there. I swear I didn’t promt her. She just came up to me.” I hurriedly explain, flustered. For some reason, that makes me feel more guilty. Like I'm making up some excuse. 

Beatrice’s face softens. “I’m sorry Miss Houghton, don't worry, you’re not in trouble." She chuckles. "It’s just…” She trails off and gets that look contemplated again, her brows furrowing. I wait. “That girl's name is Odeza, she’s a long term resident here. She was cooperative at first, but within recent years she’s refused to open up or participate and has gone mute. This is the first time she’s talked in a year.” I'm shocked. “I'm not sure if I should even tell you this…” She rubs her brows for a bit, then seems to come to a conclusion, and finally puts her hand down.

“Odeza has a very unique delusion that she's lived hundreds of lives. A maladaptive daydream of sorts." Her expression softens, she smiles lightly. I listen, quietly, absorbing every word she says. “Her tales are surprisingly extremely detailed. Or, used to be when she first got here and actually told me about it." She sighs. "I've heard the name Rhea before, it's from her quote, unquote first life." I can only stare mouth slacked. 

"Why does she think I'm her?" I hear myself say. I feel dissociative, out of my own body.

 "Honestly, I'm not sure. Perhaps you look like what she's envisioned Rhea to be. We've had many red heads work here before but this is a first." She laughs. "I'm having a hard time deciding what to do with you. Should I seize this opportunity? Or leave it be. Maybe you can be someone who can talk to her and get her to open up and participate." Dr. Weld ponders to the air, almost to herself. "But throwing you into such a heavy task especially after she assaulted you, I can imagine it being too much. You just started. Regardless, she will not be pulling a stunt like that again." She assures.

"Dr. Weld," I interject her rambling, "this is exactly the type of thing I've signed up for. To get a head start, to have a one on one with a patient would be really such a wonderful opportunity. I'd be more than willing to do whatever you need me to."

Beatrice smiles. "Well, thank you for saying that. This is not set in stone though. I'm not sure if this is the right idea. I need to talk about it with the team."

"I understand, I honestly just want to help. If this might help her, I'll do whatever I can."

"Thank you. Well, Miss Houghton, I have a lot to think about. We'll keep you updated. I'm sorry, I believe the tour for today is over by now. You can head home. I can show you how to get back."

I stand up and thank her and follow her out. 

On the drive to my apartment, I'm full of varying feelings going from excitement, nervous, confused, and overwhelmed. 

Thoughts stir asking:

What did I do to make her think I am Rhea?

How can I help her?

What am I going to do if they actually do ask me to be a personal counsel?

would I get any prepping?

The name Rhea does feel familiar. Like I heard it recently. It would be a funny coincidence if I met someone recently with that name. It's highly possible for someone in one of my classes to have that name. Pretty unique name though.

When I get home, I put down all my belongings. Then I see my roommate, Sara, on her laptop on the couch sitting horizontally legs flat on the couch.

“Oh, hey. So how was your first day?” She asks looking up from the laptop. 

“Honestly, it was a lot.” I say plopping down on the other side of the couch. “A lot of information and events I guess.”

“OoOo, events? What does that mean?” Sara asks, closing the laptop.

“Well, I guess long story short, I might be working one on one with a resident that attacked me today.”

“Um, woah girl, back up? I'm missing a few chapters. Explain??”

“Sara, hipaa.” I say teasing.

“Oh, come onnnn. Fill me in” She pleas.

“Okaaaay." I say with a false defeated tone. “You really had to twist my arm. I guess this patient thinks I'm a part of her delusion and my boss wants to see if I can help her.” I shrug.

“What? So what's her delusion?”

“That I actually won't disclose.”

“Oh my God. You're so uptight.” She pushes my arm and chuckles.

“You're literally a RN.” I deadpan. 

Sara shakes her head at me and smiles. “Okay. But how do they think you, a newbie, could help?”

“I was told she was pretty despondent and then I came along. Definitely active now considering."

“Damn, that's crazy. How do you feel about it?”

“What a classic therapist question, are you sure you're in the right feild?” I tease. I take an honest moment to think on the question. “I guess I’m pretty excited, but nervous. I mean, she attacked me. Who's to say she won't again? I'm not sure how they'll navigate that if they want me to do it.”

“That's fair.” 

“I'm definitely not experienced, so I hope they'd give me tips… but I think I'd be really disappointed if I don't get it.” A wave of melancholy hits me when I think about it not happening. I get a flash of Odezas's gold eyes and frown.

“Ya, it'd definitely be a missed opportunity. Wow, truly what a first day. Eventful, like you said.”

I chuckle, rub my face quick then suddenly stand up and stretch.

“Okay, no more! Do your homework like a good little student.” I say then groan. “I actually need to finish my homework.”

“Hehe, good luck on that.” She says while lightly kicking my leg.

I stick my tongue out at her and head to my room.