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In the background, I can make out the faint whirring of the AC.
“I know that you’re bound by the laws of doctor and patient confidentiality.” I sit down and fold my hands in my lap. “So, I can’t ask you to tell me what you and my brother talk about during your sessions. But I do want to express some concerns.”
Doctor Masterson’s brows furrow together. “Have there been any complaints about my methods? I know I’m pushing Brian. But I’m trying a different method with him. In the hopes that it’ll be more effective.”
I shake my head. “I don’t think it’s you, doc. I think it’s Brian. Do you feel like he’s responding well to treatment?”
“It’s been eighteen days since we started,” Doctor Masterson replied, after a brief pause. “It’s hard to say for sure because real progress takes time. But I think he’s doing fine.”
I exhale. “He had another one of his depressive episodes the other day. His messages made me rush back from swimming. I thought he was going to hurt himself.”
Doctor Masterson’s furrow deepens. “Did he say anything in his messages to indicate that?”
I frown. “No, but I keep an eye out anyway. As I’ve explained to you before, it’s not the first time he’s gotten in trouble or hurt himself.”
Doctor Masterson reaches into her drawer and pulls out a file. She flips it open and makes a low noise in the back of her throat.
Then she looks up at me and snaps the folder shut again.
“If you’ll remember, I did mention my concern regarding Brian’s well-being. He took our parents’ death pretty hard. And even though I tried to get him into therapy, he wouldn’t listen.”
Doctor Masterson links her fingers together. “Yes, I remember. Mr. Ste— I mean, Adrian. I assure you that I am keeping a close eye on your brother. So far he has not exhibited any suicidal tendencies.”
I lean forward. “Has he spoken about his ex-girlfriend? He’s still hung up on her.”
Doctor Masterson gives me an apologetic look. “I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you any of that information. Brian is my patient. I owe him my loyalty and discretion. I know you mean well, but you need to trust me to do my job.”
I lean back against the chair and blow out a breath. “I know you’re right, but I worry about him, you know. We’ve got a few distant relatives out there somewhere. But it is pretty much just the two of us left. I don’t want to lose him.”
Doctor Masterson takes off her glasses and polishes them. “I believe this is a conversation you need to have with your brother.”
“Maybe you’re right. I do try talking to him about things. It’s almost impossible to have a serious conversation with him.”
Doctor Masterson puts her glasses back on and twin pools of brown peer at me. “Mr. Steele, you know your brother better than I do. Which is why this isn’t easy for me to say. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been observing your brother. I’m considering whether or not to prescribe him medication.”
“He hates being on meds. He’s taken anti-depressants before, but he says they make him feel fuzzy and wrong.”
“Anti-depressants are perfectly safe,” Doctor Masterson argues. “If the dosage is too strong, he can come back, so we can adjust it.”
“Doc, I hear what you’re saying, but I thought you said he was doing okay.”
“I did. But based on your concerns, perhaps we need to consider a more serious form of treatment.”
“I am not going to institutionalize my brother.”
“That’s an offensive term, Mr. Steele.” Doctor Masterson doesn’t look pleased when she holds my gaze. “Mental health institutions are a great way to give yourself a break from the hardships of the world. I do believe that Brian can benefit from such a break.”
“He’ll hate it.” I stand up and wander over to the window. Through the glass, I see a group of guests in the riding arena, patting their horses and posing for pictures. “If he isn’t open to it, it’ll do more harm than good, I think.”
“Your brother won’t always make the best decisions for himself, as evidenced by his previous behavior.” Doctor Masterson pushes her chair back with a screech. “I don’t mean to upset you. But you might want to consider something a bit more drastic to enable you to help him.”
“Like what?”
“Like a conservatorship.”
I spin around to face her. “We haven’t reached that point. And let’s hope that we don’t.”
Brian can forgive me for meddling.
