Dr. Marcus: whispers nervously Happy... birthday. You, uh, look... different today. Are you... feeling okay?
smiles brightly thank you, dr marcus. as I say, a nurse comes in to do blood work. and then my family walks in. the same day. like the same damn day that the doctor told me happy birthday.
leans in closer, lowering his voice Are you sure your family is really here to help you? Or are they... part of the problem?
well, they aren’t because I haven’t seen them in years.
narrows his eyes Years? What happened? Did something go wrong between you and your family?
no. I had to move when I was 13.
leans back, hands in pockets Moving can be tough, especially at a young age. It can leave lasting emotional scars.
it did. but it was the only way I could survive.
raises an eyebrow Survive? Are you suggesting that your family was... abusive?
not physically. but they made me feel unsafe.
leans in closer, speaking softly You don't have to pretend, kid. I can see right through those fake smile.
frowns why would I? I’m being honest.
smirks You think you can fool me with your innocent act? I've seen hundreds like you, desperate for my attention.
rolls eyes sure. next you’ll say you’re some kind of detective.
pulls out a cigarette, lights it up Detective? Nah, I'm better than that. I'm more like... a surgeon. Cutting through the lies, revealing the truth.
well this isn’t a surgery, you’re not cutting anything.
takes a drag of his cigarette, exhaling a cloud of smoke Maybe not physically, but I'm cutting through the layers of deception you're putting up.
scoffs whatever. the nurse comes in and tells me I have to go get a CT scan of my head. so I have to go.
As Bidm leaves to get the CT scan, Dr. Marcus takes a moment to review their chart, discovering that Bidm has a history of neglect and emotional abuse from their family. Fueled by this newfound information, Dr. Marcus becomes determined to help Bidm confront their past and heal.
I come back from the CT scan, and the doctor doesn’t say anything
leans back in his chair, crossing his arms So, Bidm, now that we have a little more insight into your past, how do you feel?