Part 42 (2/2)

Our next story also deals with a counseling scenario, albeit one that's a bit more macabre. The author says, ”Zombies are on my mind pretty often. I was also an addictions counselor for about seventeen years. A lot of my sessions bore some similarity to what takes place in this story-more so than you might think. There are a fair number of counselor in-jokes in this story, and one reader suggested that it be made into a short film for counselors in training, because of the way it ill.u.s.trates proper responses to common issues, and ill.u.s.trates how good counselors offer empathy and unconditional positive regard to their clients.”

Even if your client is a zombie.

Transcript of counseling session with Michael R.-May 12, 2019

Good afternoon, Michael. I see you have a new bucket with you.

Hi, Mr. Harper. You like the h.e.l.lo Kitty on the side?

Very much. [Pause.] So, what would you like to talk about today, Michael?

Nothing much happening. Same old, same old, you know.

How's your program going?

Um, work was pretty busy. I did a meeting on Thursday.

I think you told me last time that you might have found a new sponsor.

Yeah, he's a good guy. Been clean three years now. You gotta respect that.

Yes.

It's hard, you know. Sometimes I think about the old days. Back when I was all crazy. I'm a lot better now, but-

But what, Michael?

It's like... I dunno... I just don't feel... happy hardly ever any more.

That's the brain changes, Michael. Everybody struggles with it. When you give up your bad habit, and all the intensity that goes with it, it takes time for your brain to adjust. It's okay to not be happy while you're working through it. You have to honor your loss, and learn to move onward. It takes time.

Yeah, I know... I just... Is this all there is? Just making it from day to day? Is this any way to live?

You're still not sure it was worth it.

Yeah.

You'd probably be in the ground, Michael.

Sometimes I don't remember so good, but I was wild and... and free, you know? Going b.a.l.l.s to the wall like nothing else mattered. On a terminal buzz twenty-four seven.

I understand. You're having euphoric recall. You're remembering the good parts, but not the bad ones.

It was so great!

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