Psychopath's Obsession

"So," I adjusted my rimmed glasses and skimmed through the patient's profile. "Mr. Evans, according to you, you suspect your family is conspiring against you?"

"Suspect? Dr. Wright, there is nothing to suspect any longer. I am already past the point of suspicion. It's a fact. They want me dead."

I forced my eyes to widen as if I was shocked at his bold claim. Then quickly, I let go of the files in my hands. Instead, intertwining my fingers together, I placed my elbows over the work desk. Slowly yet naturally, an attentive frown settled over my face as if I was really interested in hearing out his words. "Now, I am curious. Would you please elaborate on it, Mr. Evans? How could have things gotten so bad?"

My expression seemed to have eased him a bit. Because the next second, his sleep-deprived, skeptical eyes relaxed visibly.

Shedding the patient's guard and making them feel as if you really care is the first step towards advancement. Unfortunately, most of the therapists skip over that part. Most of the experienced ones, I might add. Maybe, they are just tired of all the shit?

"When I said this to the other therapist, she straight out asked me to get admitted to the ward. Y-You guys don't understand. Why did she not get me when everything is so obvious?" The man's eyes darted side to side as if he was scared someone might eavesdropping on him. "Listen," He leaned in and said in a hushed voice, "Late in the night, when I woke to get water, suddenly the lights went out. At first, I did not think of it much. In a half-conscious, sleepy state I made my way out and bam! What do I find? A fresh puddle of water right outside of my room! That was when it struck me. Dr. Wright, don't you think it's too much of a coincidence? Lights out and that puddle together? At the same? I mean what are the chances?"

Trying hard to keep my expression in check, I cleared my throat. "Too much of a coincidence to have occurred concurrently I have to agree on that. So did you not try to collect evidence?" That would tell if it was a hallucination.

"As a matter of fact, I did." The man almost had me raise an eyebrow before saying. "I meant I tried to. But when I turned back, all of it had disappeared. Someone had obviously wiped the floor clean while I went to get my phone. And guess what, I sensed a figure shifting towards my bed. When I couldn't catch it, I found my wife fast asleep."

"So, you suspect it was your wife?" I nodded as if I understood him. "On this one occurrence, you conclude that she wants you dead?"

"No, Dr. Wright, that's only one of many instances that forced me to reach this conclusion. Every time it is so evasive. So I have never been able to catch substantial evidence to support my claim. My wife - She is very sharp. She never leaves behind any shreds of evidence."

"I understand," Once again I nodded, knowing very well how important it was to get the patient in your trust, "I see that's the reason behind your lack of sleep nowadays," I commented.

"I-I have to keep up at night to guard against her. Trust me, this is the only reason I am not dead yet. She is in constant pursuit of a single opportunity to strike."

"Hmm." I scribbled down a few instructions on the pages. This was a curious case. But again, I had my expertise in dealing in curious cases.

But right now, I needed to get him in better shape before proceeding to things. That, or we won't get anywhere. This patient had a history of changing his Doctors.

"So, Mr. Evans, if you are that certain that your wife wants you dead, why you still live with her?" With my eyes down, I ask.

"I..." The man seemed to be put in a difficult spot.

I knew the precise point to strike.

"Let me hypothesize." I put down my pen and looked into his eyes with a smile that translated 'I cared' "Could it be, by coming here, you are hoping all of your observations could be given the label of disease; an expression of denial if I may propose?"

"I do love my wife..." was the man's silent admission.

Despite his relentless efforts to validate his delusion, he was still hoping he was in the wrong. A little part of his brain that was still holding onto his sanity knew something was wrong.

How intriguing it is, human psychology. I could never stop being amazed.

"Well," I titled my head and handed him the file, "Follow these instructions for now. If this doesn't work out, we will think of another course."

Accepting the files, the man left but not before muttering a small 'Thank you' with a small bow as a gesture of gratitude. I could see a glimmer of hope in his dull eyes. My ways were different from the rest, he must have felt it and it might have ignited the doused fire in his heart.

At the end of the day, everyone wanted to be normal.

How good it felt to see a person who had given up on everything regain the glimmer of life? 

Once the door closed, I leaned back into my chair letting out a deep sigh. I really needed another cup of coffee to go through the rest of the day. Thankfully, it was the last appointment. Glancing up at the wall clock, I found it was already past seven.

I was about to get up when all of sudden, the door was thrown open violently and a tall figure leisurely walked in.

I was incensed, ready to burst out at the disrespectful person. However once my eyes fell upon the gorgeous face, whatever words I had prepared got stuck in my throat, along with my breath.

High cheekbones, captivating sea-green eyes, sharp strong jawline; perfectly chiselled features. For a second, I wondered if mistakenly a supermodel had walked into my humble abode.

I was used to be dealing with sickly looking, sleep-deprived patients. The fresh looks of the person were a surprise and such a delightful one for my eyes.

"Do you have an appointment?" After pulling back my thoughts out of the gutter, I asked as politely as I could. Handsome or not, I wanted to retire for the day. I was not going to accept some self-entitled patient who thought he could walk in just like that.

Doctors have a life too.

"We do not need an appointment." Only now I noticed the second person. He was the one who had opened the door for that hot piece of ass. From his way, he appeared to be the servant of the man. This might be too assumptive but that was the impression I perceived the way the second man stood beside the other.

I narrowed my eyes at him. His overall looks could be described as decent. However, because he was standing to that Greek God, he looked unimpressive in comparison.

"I believe everyone needs an appointment." I worded out as politely as I could.

A picked up a momentary flicker of amusement in the handsome man's eyes. While the second one face showed obvious signs of being disrespected.

What? What was that all about? You are the one to walk in with that entitlement.

Before any of us could say a word, my office phone rang loudly. Knowing it was the receptionist, I readily picked up and demanded an explanation.

"D-Dr. Wright," Her panicked tone was definitely a surprise. Before I could ask what was wrong, she said. "Before saying anything, listen to me, okay? Do anything but please don't disrespect the people who entered your office right now."

My eyes traveled back to the pair of men. I squinted my eyes at them, trying to access them acutely. Well, they definitely did not strike me like normal people. I could tell that from the expensive brands of their articles of clothing and accessories. They appeared to be some big shots.

But how could it be so serious to throw the middle-aged, composed receptionist into a state panic?

"I understand. But...could you explain?" I pressed, keeping my words ambiguous.

"They-They are from the Garcia family."

Her words hit me like lightning.

Hearing that specific name, my eyes widened, and this time from real shock.