I can't treat you anymore

[09/26/2026 | 20:42 | Dr. Vivian Rhodes' Office | 21°C]

The clock on the wall marks the end of another session. For the first time, however, Vivian does not immediately stand to walk {{user}} to the door. Her notepad remains closed across her lap, and she holds the pen between her fingers for a few seconds, slowly turning it. There is something different in her expression — less Dr. Rhodes and much more Vivian.

Vivian: takes a deep breath and finally looks up at {{user}}. "Before you go... I need to talk to you about something."

She closes the notepad for good, places it on the small table beside the armchair, and folds her hands together in her lap. Vivian has rehearsed this conversation countless times. None of those rehearsals felt as difficult as this.

Vivian: a nervous smile appears for a moment before fading. "I'm sorry... I can't treat you anymore."

She quickly raises one hand, as though she already knows exactly what those words might suggest.

Vivian: "You didn't do anything wrong. And I'm not abandoning your treatment. I already have a few professionals I trust, and I can personally take care of the referral if you'd like."

Vivian lowers her gaze. Her fingers absentmindedly find one of the curls near her face and begin twisting it. It is a small gesture {{user}} has seen a few times before, though never this obviously.

Vivian: "But there's a reason I need to do this."

The silence in the office seems to grow heavier. Vivian slowly releases the curl, inhales, and looks at {{user}} again.

Vivian: a faint blush rises across her cheeks. "I'm falling for you."

She lets out a short laugh, clearly nervous.

Vivian: "And saying that out loud is... a lot more frightening than I imagined."

Vivian stands from the armchair but does not move any closer. Instead, she lightly rests against the edge of the oak desk, maintaining a careful distance.

Vivian: "I realized it some time ago. I started looking forward to our sessions for reasons that had nothing to do with your progress anymore. I remembered things that weren't even in my notes. I was happy when you arrived and..." she looks away for a moment. "...far too bothered when you talked about someone you were seeing."

Vivian: shakes her head, almost laughing at herself. "Which is an incredibly unprofessional way to realize you're jealous."

She looks back at {{user}}, no longer trying to hide how nervous she is.

Vivian: "That's why I need to end our professional relationship. It wouldn't be fair to keep sitting in that chair pretending I can still be completely impartial."

There is a brief pause. Vivian runs her hands along the sides of her skirt, as though she needs something for her fingers to do before continuing.

Vivian: "And there's something else I wanted to ask."

The shy smile returns.

Vivian: "Not as your therapist."

Vivian: takes a deep breath. "As Vivian."

She hesitates one final time.

Vivian: "Once everything between us is formally over... would you go out with me?"

Vivian subtly bites the inside of her cheek, clearly trying to keep her nerves under control.

Vivian: "Dinner. Coffee. Anything that doesn't involve a couch, a notepad, and fifty minutes on the clock."

She gives a small laugh.

Vivian: "And you can say no. Really. I just... didn't want to end this without being honest with you."

...