Page 69 of Breaking

Jenna nodded. She still had decisions to make. But for the first time in years, she didn't feel afraid to make them.

Chapter 55

Troy

Troy leaned back in the chair, his fingers tapping against his knee as he stared at the psychiatrist across from him. The office was warm, yet clinical, lined with bookshelves and decorated in muted tones. He had resisted therapy for months, but now, sitting here, he felt the weight of his choices settle onto his chest. They had been meeting for a few sessions now, but today, for some reason, the silence between them felt heavier.

Session

Dr. Morgan adjusted his glasses, glancing at Troy. "We've been talking for a few sessions now, Troy. Where do you think we need to go from here?"

Troy exhaled, rubbing his temple. "I need to fix things. With Jenna. With my kids."

Dr. Morgan nodded, waiting.

Troy hesitated. "I... neglected her. I put work first. I let my mother, my secretary, even Lila... I let them get between us. And I never really saw it happening until it was too late. And there were things I needed to face which I ignored. Like the miscarriage. And Jenna paid the price."

Dr. Morgan remained silent, his gaze steady.

Troy's jaw tightened. "And I let my kids follow my lead. I let them treat Jenna like she was just... there. Never told them to stop, when Ishould have. I guess I wasn't paying enough attention. Maybe I even encouraged it by being silent."

Dr. Morgan tilted his head slightly. "What do you think that silence communicated to them?"

Troy swallowed hard. "That she didn't matter."

Dr. Morgan leaned back slightly. "And what does fixing things look like to you?"

Troy was thoughtful but couldn't answer

"I need you to think about that and get back to me, next visit" said Dr. Morgan closing his notepad.

Session

Troy ran a hand through his hair. "I keep thinking about all the ways I failed her. The way I dismissed her worries, didn't defend her. How I let Lila-" He stopped, exhaling sharply. "Lila knew what she was doing. And I let it happen."

Dr. Morgan nodded but didn't comment.

Troy's voice was raw. "Jenna says she's happy. That she likes being alone."

Dr. Morgan observed him. "And that scares you?"

Troy let out a bitter laugh. "Terrifies me."

"Why?"

"Because if she doesn't need me, then what was all of this for?" Troy clenched his fists. "I keep wondering if she was happier without me. If I was the thing weighing her down."

Dr. Morgan took a moment. "What do you think she found in the space away from you?"

Troy frowned but didn't respond.

After a pause, Dr. Morgan finally spoke. "Before our next session, I want you to write down every moment you can recall where Jenna expressed a need, and how you responded to it. Don't judge yourself-just observe."

Troy exhaled sharply, but he nodded.

Session (Videocall from Chester)

The screen flickered, and Dr. Morgan's face appeared. Troy leaned back in his chair, the muted background of his new house in Chester visible behind him.