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“It is nice.” He smiles and then turns to Cameron. “So, let’s chat about you, Cameron.”
“My friends call me Cam.”
Well, then. He’s never told me to call him that.
“Ah, so would you prefer I call you that?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know.”
“We’ll just play it by ear then. Have you ever attended counseling or therapy before?”
“Yeah, when my mom passed away.”
I try not to listen in. I don’t want to eavesdrop, but at the same time, I’m so touched that Cameron wanted me to sit in with him—or maybe he felt like he had no choice? I make a mental note to ask him about it later. I don’t want to overstep boundaries...
I know I wouldn’t want someone sitting in on my therapy sessions.
“How old were you?”
“Seventeen.”
My stomach knots up as Cameron’s lips turn downward. Grief flashes in his eyes, and I know the feeling all too well. I clear my throat, feeling like an intruder in this deeply personal conversation.
Dr. Shadid glances my way as if noticing my discomfort. “Nila, are you okay?” he asks.
Cameron turns to look at me, his brow furrowing.
“Yes, of course.” I force a smile. “I was just taking in the room.”
Cameron narrows his eyes. “You don’t look okay.”
“I’d say she looks like someone who understands,” Dr. Shadid says warmly. “I see recognition and understanding.”
I raise my brows. This guy is good at reading people.
However, that’s all he says about it. He quickly moves on to asking Cameron some questions about his dad as well as his friends. Nothing too in-depth, really. And forty-five minutes later, we’re stepping out of the doctor’s office.
And Tina is right there.
“So, you’ll have free time until lunch,” she announces. “Then after lunch, there are a few activities for you to pick from. Most of them require pairing off with someone here at the facility, but you have a partner to do them with—if she wants to. Then, we have a campfire in the evening. It’s a nice time to unwind and talk with others. Dr. Shadid is often present.”
I nod, trying to keep the smile on my face as I glance over at Cameron. It feels like we’re at a summer camp...
And I’m not sure how I feel about it.
Chapter Fourteen
Cameron
“So, you’ve chosen the six-mile nature hike, I see,” Tina says as I hand her the paper. “You’re the only ones who’ve chosen the hike so far, so it’ll be nice and quiet. But hopefully you’ll consider joining the rest of us for a meal afterward.” She gives me a knowing look.
I haven’t opted in on the group luncheon yet, having spent the last few hours napping in the cabin. Nila stayed wrapped up in the book she borrowed from Dr. Shadid’s office.
It’s been an uneventful day thus far.
And I’m bored as all get-out.
“There’s trail markers,” Tina explains. “Stick to them and you’ll be fine. The lookout is picturesque, and I think this is a great first exercise for you. Then tomorrow you’ll be kayaking.”
