It’S Me Again
Chapter 22's

Ivy was asleep in her sleep, when she suddenly felt a shock in her body. He woke up and was confused, trying to figure out what was going on. When he opened his eyes, Ivy saw Michael standing in front of him with a grim and scarred face.

"He's dead, Ivy," said Michael in a weak voice, "And this is all my fault. I'm sorry."

Ivy was shocked and in disbelief. He tried to hug Michael, but he did not feel his presence. Ivy suddenly realizes that Michael is no longer in this world.

"He'll never come back, Ivy," a voice that sounded so close to Ivy's ear. “He's gone for good."

Ivy was crying, feeling a pain in her chest. He felt very sad and scared, feeling that everything had just disappeared.

"Mama, what's going on?" Suddenly, his son's voice sounded from across the door. Ivy turned her head and saw her son standing in front of the door with a worried look.

"It's okay baby, it's just a nightmare" Ivy said in a soft voice.

His son tries to embrace Ivy, but Ivy feels the same distance as Michael. Ivy feels alone and separated from the people she loves.

Ivy awoke from her dream with a breath of breath, relieved that it was just a dream.

…

Ivy sat in the waiting room of her psychologist, staring blankly at the large window facing the highway. The temperature was quite cold that morning and a bit of wind was blowing from the cracks of the window. Ivy wore a warm jacket and thick scarf, but still felt cold.

Psychologist, Dr. Andrews, call him into the therapy room. Ivy took a deep breath and followed the doctor. They sat on two chairs opposite each other, with a small round table between them. Ivy felt her heartbeat speed up, she felt so nervous to open her mouth and talk about her feelings.

Dr. Andrews took a note and said in a soft voice, "Hello Ivy, how are you feeling today?"

Ivy took another breath, and tried to answer the doctor's question, "I still feel sad and lonely, doc. Sometimes I still think about Michael, and I don't know where he is. Not even my family knows about him."

Dr. Andrews nodded and asked, "How do you deal with those feelings?"

Ivy shook her head, "I find it hard to deal with it, doc. Sometimes I feel like I can't forget him and move on with my life. I feel like I'm in the dark and don't know the way out."

Dr. Andrews smiled gently, "That's normal, Ivy. You are in recovery and need time to heal. But I'm sure you'll get through this well."

Ivy felt a little relieved hearing those words. Dr. Andrews has always given her the support she needs and helped her to feel better. Ivy nodded.

Dr. Andrews took another note and said, "Alright, now let's talk about strategies that can help you get through this difficult time. What if we try to focus on the positive things in your life? Like your friends, hobbies you like, or things you're proud of about yourself?"

Ivy nodded, "I'll try that, doc. Thanks for the suggestion.”

The 2nd Therapy Session:

Ivy returned to therapy after a week of absence. Dr. Andrews greeted him kindly and invited him to sit in the same chair as before.

Dr. Andrews asked, "How are you doing this week, Ivy?"

Ivy replied, "It's not better, doc. I try to focus more on the positives and not think about Michael too much. But sometimes it's still a little difficult.”

Ivy explains, "I try to do fun activities, like reading a book or watching a movie I like. I also talk to my friends and they help me feel better."

Dr. Andrews nodded, "That's great, Ivy. Focusing on the positives and seeking support from those closest to you can indeed help us get through the tough times."

Dr. Andrews then discussed with Ivy about relaxation techniques that could help her relieve stress and anxiety. Ivy is interested and will try to apply it at home.

The 3rd Therapy Session:

Ivy entered the therapy room with a smile on her face. Dr. Andrews greeted him with a smile as well, "Hello Ivy, how are you doing this week?"

Ivy replied, "Better yet, doc. I feel calmer and can focus more on work and other activities."

Dr. Andrews asked, "What did you do to achieve that?"

Ivy replied, "I try to divide my time well between work, hobbies, and time to socialize with friends. I also practice the relaxation techniques we've talked about before."

Dr. Andrews gave the compliment, "That's very nice, Ivy. You are showing positive progress. Is there anything else you would like to discuss today?"

Ivy nodded, "There's one thing that worries me a little, doc. I found it hard to trust others after the experience I had with Michael. I'm afraid of being hurt again."

Dr. Andrews understood and asked, "What makes you find it hard to trust others?"

Ivy explained, "I felt like I was betrayed by Michael and it made me afraid to open up to others again. I'm afraid I'll be hurt and disappointed again."

Dr. Andrews helps Ivy to understand that trust can indeed be uprooted by others, but that doesn't mean that he has to shut down forever. They talk about ways to rebuild trust in others and how to overcome fear and anxiety.

The 4th Therapy Session:

Ivy walked into the therapy room with a big smile on the waj

Dr. Andrews smiled at Ivy who looked better than ever. "Hello Ivy, you look cheerful today. What makes you feel good?"

Ivy replies, "I got a new job offer that I dreamt of so much, doc. I feel excited and excited to start that new job."

Dr. Andrews gave the compliment, "That's so great, Ivy! You have worked hard to overcome problems and improve your condition. How do you feel now about your future?"

Ivy replied, "I feel more optimistic and confident, doc. I felt like I could face anything that came forward and take control of my life."

Dr. Andrews smiled, "That's very positive, Ivy. You've overcome a lot over the last few weeks and I'm very proud of you. Is there something you want to discuss today?"

Ivy explained, "I still sometimes feel sad and miss Michael. Even though I don't know what happened to her, I still feel lonely and lost."

Dr. Andrews helps Ivy to cope with those feelings by giving her some advice and techniques that can help her feel better. They also discuss ways to strengthen relationships with those closest to them and rebuild trust in others.