"But," she continued in a sweet, melodic tone. 'I
am the first to recognize that you are all here because
you are all filled with defiance, anger, and most of all
fear."
"Fear?" I muttered. I couldn't help it. It just
slipped out between my lips. How could fear have
brought us here?
"Yes, my dear Phoebe, fear. Antisocial
behavior stems from a well of fear. You act out
because you are defensive, slightly paranoid. I'm afraid. In your present way of thinking, the world around you threatens you. You believe everyone is against you and you're just naturally antagonistic to
everything."
I guess she saw the lack of understanding in my
face. She smiled, again so softly, I felt I could relax
and listen to her for hours.
"Don't worry about any of that yet, my dear.
You'll see. You'll all see. That's what's so wonderful
about my work," she said excitedly. "at least to me,
especially the way it opens the eyes of my girls. For
me." she said, her voice rising an octave. "there is
nothing as satisfying as seeing one of my girls
suddenly come to the realization she can be as good as
anyone else out there, she can be productive and
worthwhile. She can make friends and be liked and
like others. Her heart can hold sunshine, even on rainy
days."
She did make it sound wonderful. For a
moment she paused with her face so radiant and full
of happiness. I felt some hope seep into my hardened
and crusty surface. She looked at me as if she could
sense it and gave me a special nod, a little mare of her