“Where are you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Where are you right now, in this moment?”
“Sitting in a coffee shop.”
“Where?”
“Atlanta.”
“Where?”
“Georgia, USA, North America.”
“Five minutes ago you told me you wanted to find yourself, but it sounds like you know exactly where you are.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I know. Maybe the problem isn’t with not knowing where you are. Maybe you don’t know who you are.”
“As much as I appreciate the unsolicited psychoanalysis, that’s not what I’m here for. Thanks for the coffee, but I’m going to go.”
Nathan stood and pulled his jacket from the back of the chair.
“Sit down.”
“I think this was a mistake. I’m sorry for wasting your…”
“Sit down. Now.”
Nathan complied.
“For someone who wants to find himself, your subconscious sure seems hellbent on keeping you lost. That’s fine, I’m good at negotiating with an out-of-control brain.”
“I’m not out of contr…”
“Until I ask a question, I won’t be needing a response. Clear?”
Nathan bristled but recovered before he opened his mouth. There was something about this man that was both unsettling and magnetic.
“Clear.”
“Good. Now we’re getting somewhere.”
Roger began tapping his index finger on the table in front of him. taptap… taptap… taptap… Immediately, Nathan’s eyes were drawn to the rhythmic beat.
“Good. Your brain is already taking cues from me. Now relax your shoulders and focus on my hand. If you get distracted by something else, just let your eyes and your mind drift right back to my hand and my tapping.”
Keeping his eyes fixed on the table, Nathan felt the tension in his shoulders soften.
“You aren’t lost. You’re here. Where are you?”
“I’m here.”
“Where?”
“Here.”
“That’s right. You’re here with me. We’re having a nice chat over coffee. You’re safe here. Say it.”
“I’m safe here.”
“Yes.”