un: ulysses | video

[restingstitchface]

[On the latest feed: a man with combed hair, a clean face, a mismatched suit and a pair of rimless glasses. Video is streaming from an office where one might spot a painting of an anguished man. He closes his eyes and fixes his lenses on his nose, looking away while leaning forward. His preference is for messaging, but today he is showing his face. He inhales in a calm and controlled manner. Facial cues encourage trust. He prefers to remain unobserved, but this should encourage a positive impression.

Unless you’re Batman, apparently.]

Well, that was a terrible couple of weeks.

In any case, my apologies for the intrusion. I was managing the aftermath and hesitant to reach out until today. I have nothing further to add except that I understand you might feel nervous. But if you resist those feelings, you will have to face them again, and when they catch you…

[He swallows his sentence and focuses on his reason for posting, grounding himself in the present moment by inhaling.]

Back home I treat people for support with their mental health. I had excellent resources there but here I can offer nothing but a listening ear. Perhaps you would like to take me up on that? It’s not like you need insurance and sometimes it’s good to talk.

Feel free to contact me. I'm here to help.

Comments

[restingstitchface]

Of course. You can make that choice at any time.

[hexcope]

... All right. I'm interested. Do you take IOUs?

[restingstitchface]

Well, I don't do what I do for money or financial reward, but if it makes you happy I can find some use for whatever you can offer. Though I stress you're under no obligation.

[hexcope]

Okay. I'll bring snacks.

[Stupid!! Who brings snacks to a therapy appointment?? He doesn't know what else he was going to bring. A paperweight?]

[restingstitchface]

I am partial to candy.

[He doesn't really care but he chooses it for two reasons. One, out of spite to those who offered him nothing and those who stole whatever little he had. Two, it's Halloween. He's not going to poison it, Batman.]

[hexcope]

Oh! Great. Perfect. I can get that.

[Direction and preferences make this not only less weird, but much easier.]

Also, up to you when. I know we don't really have an overall schedule here, but you're the host.

[restingstitchface]

I would offer you something in return but that would make this moment more awkward.

[Not to mention he has offered a listening ear.]

Perhaps in a week or two? I need to find somewhere to open a private practice. Not to mention furnish it comfortably.

[hexcope]

You are offering something. Hearing me out, maybe telling me your thoughts as an unrelated third-party.

Sure.

[restingstitchface]

Ah, good.

I'll be in touch when everything is ready.