Page 72 of In Death, Love Survives

“Will do, boss.”

“Until next time, Dr. Owens.”

Dr. Owens scoffs as he turns his back, and I’m led out.

The next day,I’m brought into Nova’s and my familiar territory, the original therapy room we’d been meeting in. I know she had planned for us to meet in her office, but after my encounter with Dr. Owens, I wasn’t surprised to learn that Nova and I wouldn’t be meeting there.

“Good morning, Mr. Walker,” she professionally greets me as I enter.

I take my usual seat across from her. Nova’s holding onto a black pen tightly as she taps it against her yellow notepad. Everything seems too professional for our usual sessions.

“Dr. Fletcher.”

I clasp my hands together in my lap and wait for her to take the lead.

“Like always, I’ll be pressing record on the session today. Please confirm you’re comfortable with this.”

I nod.

“Please use the words for the record.”

“It’s fine.”

She gives me a tight smile and briefly looks upward at the camera before returning to her notes.

“Mr. Walker. Please tell me how you’re feeling today on a scale from one to ten.”

“A seven.”

“A seven is excellent. Can you please share why?”

“I’m making friends,” I lie.

“Friends are always wonderful.”

“They are. Make you feel… at home?”

“Home is a wonderful feeling. Can you please tell me how home feels to you?”

“Like…”

I drink in the way Nova looks sitting before me. Flushed cheeks, a fitted button-up, and tendrils of loose hair falling along her face, she’s breathtaking.

“Like I’ve seen an angel.”

She gives me a small smile before dipping her head down to prevent anyone else who may be watching from seeing her reaction.

“That has to be a good feeling.”

Nova looks back up at me, more relaxed than when we started.

“Best feeling in the world, some would say.”

I look at her carefully, hoping I’m not overstepping. I just have to make sure she’s okay.

“Fallen angels.”

“Fallen?”