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“Why is that?” I curiously ask.
“It starts with kindness,” Lucy begins. “All the lady wanted was a baby of her own, and then the greed of others takes over. I like how the author discusses them both in depth, and I also loved how he highlighted how differences in appearances can be poorly judged by those less informed.”
“That’s a very mature outlook on such a beloved fairy tale.”
Sitting straight, Lucy explains that her father has ensured she is well educated. For people of their stature, she goes on to say, they must speak and act properly so as not to embarrass themselves. If you ask me, Erika’s particular fondness of this fairy tale highlights that there may be more going on than we initially believed.
“Let’s talk more about your relationship with Erika, shall we?” I probe.
“Okay,” Lucy sings.
I’ve never worked with a patient such as Erika before; thus, am unsure whether my line of questioning will assist with her therapy.
“You are such a bubbly young girl. What is the connection between you both?”
Placing the book to her side, Lucy sits up straight, staring directly at me. “I’m Erika’s inner child.” She announces, her tone now one of seriousness.
“So, you understand what’s going on?”
“Of course, I do,” she declares matter of factly. “I protect Erika and remind her that the world isn’t always filled with scary monsters.”
“What brings you out?” I question further.
“You asked Erika about the night those men did horrible things to her,” Lucy starts. “She remembers more than she will admit to, but it causes her so much pain, which is when I take over.”
Shifting over to the chair closer to my desk, she admits that her job is to help Erika when she is feeling scared or in pain. When Erika is angry, someone else, much scarier, claws his way to the surface and takes over.
“There are two of you?”
“Yes, me and Marco,” a soft, almost hesitant voice replies.
Her admission surprises me, as there is no mention of a male alter in my colleague’s notes. When I ask if Erika gets angry often, Lucy shakes her head.
“I bet you didn’t know I’ve been helping Erika since she was just a little girl,” she now reveals.
“That is a surprising admission,” I confirm.
With a large smile, Lucy confesses that Erika’s father failed her, but that’s okay because she doesn’t need him in her life, only Lucy. Even though I know our time is nearly up, I continue to gently push for more, to which the young girl taking over Erika is all too happy to share.
“Her pappa is a bad man,” she continues. “He did things to Erika that no pappa should ever do.”
Now we are getting somewhere.
“Erika doesn’t remember any of that, though.” Lucy smiles. “Because I keep it hidden away.”
“Do you believe that is healthy for Erika?”
“Only I know what is best for Erika,” she angrily declares.
“Of course,” I reply in an attempt to calm and appease.
“I like you, Doctor Emily, but I will always do whatever I need to keep Erika safe,” Lucy professes. “Please don’t make her angry, though, because Marco is scary.”
“Thank you for the advice, Lucy, but do you think I could say goodbye to Erika before you leave?”
“Of course, you can.” She now smiles.
Before I can thank her, Erika is back.
