“I had to be in middle school.”
“I imagine that was difficult.”
Enough. Enough. We’re not supposed to be talking about this.“I don’t see how any of this relates to anything at all.”
“Conflict resolution is a learned behavior. How did you learn to handle your emotions when you were dealt such severe ones at a young age? You just told me you know that you’re ruminating, but don’t know how to stop. You’ve told me a number of stories where you struggle with your emotions.”
“I think that’s normal.”
“Just because it’s normal doesn’t mean it’s healthy. I want to help you, so tell me.”
“Tell you what?”
“What happened when they fought?’
With a deep breath in, I answer him, “That’s something I haven’t thought about in a while.” He starts to say something, but I cut him off. “You know how we started this conversation with ruminating? I used to stay up at night, thinking about their fights and if I could change anything.”
“And how did you cope with those feelings?” he questions and the events play in my head. Kelly, Trish and Kam … the plan. Uncovering the truth and then covering it all back up. How did I cope? I did something I shouldn’t have.
“I think we should go inside,” I whisper.