Family Therapy — - Clips4sale - Bailey Base - The...

Dr. Marlene Voss adjusted her glasses and glanced at the clock. 2:58 PM. The Henderson family was due in two minutes. She reviewed her notes: Father (Tom, 52, workaholic), Mother (Lisa, 49, anxious), Daughter (Elena, 17, withdrawn), Son (Jake, 14, acting out). Reason for referral: “Constant screaming at home. Elena won’t speak. Jake broke his bedroom door.”

Lisa reached over and took Elena’s hand. Elena didn’t pull away. Family Therapy - Clips4sale - Bailey Base - The...

Elena raised her head. Tears slid down, but her voice was steady. “What no one understands is that I stopped talking because every time I did, you two would start fighting about who ruined me. So I decided to be already ruined. That way, you’d have nothing left to fight about.” The Henderson family was due in two minutes

Elena flinched. Jake snorted.

However, I’d be happy to write a completely different, original short story about —focusing on emotional conflict, communication breakdowns, and a therapist trying to help a family heal. For example: Title: The Empty Chair Elena won’t speak

Marlene held up a hand. “Tom, I hear frustration. But let’s try something different. I’d like each of you to finish this sentence: ‘What no one in this family understands about me is…’”

They had forty minutes left. For the Hendersons, that was a beginning. If you’d like a different angle—comedy, sci-fi, mystery—all within appropriate boundaries, let me know. I’m glad to write an engaging story that doesn’t rely on adult content.