As I strolled across the campus with Sarah, the morning sun cast a gentle glow, giving the whole place a warm and cozy vibe. You could feel the cool breeze in the air, and you could tell fall was on its way by the way the leaves crunched beneath our shoes. Our destination? The counseling center is a kind of calm hideaway tucked among the tall trees.
I had asked Sarah to come along with me to the session. She was my emotional support wherever I went. I needed her presence to relax me, especially since she was more of a social butterfly, unlike the introvert I was. I looked at her gleaming face. She was gorgeous.
Sarah was a breath of fresh air in my life. She's had this effortlessly cool vibe that radiated from her curly, chestnut hair that always seemed to have a mind of its own. Her hazel eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and warmth, reflecting a genuine kindness that makes you feel at ease around her.
Physically, she was on the shorter side, but there was a certain strength in her petite frame. She's got a smile that can light up even the gloomiest of days, and her laughter was infectious—a blend of genuine joy and a hint of mischief. Sarah's had a casual and sexy style, a perfect reflection of her easygoing personality. Whether she's rocking a pair of worn-in jeans and a vintage band tee or a black mini dress with high heels, she somehow manages to make everything look effortlessly cool.
I don't even remember how we became friends, but Sarah was a true friend in every sense. She was the kind of person you can count on—the one who listens without judgment and offers a comforting presence in times of need. Her sense of humor was a mix of witty remarks and good-natured teasing, always bringing light to any situation. Sarah's strength lay in her authenticity—she was unapologetically herself, and that's what made her not just a friend but a soul friend on this journey of life.
As we entered the counseling center, it felt like stepping into a peaceful sanctuary. The place was decked out in these soothing earthy tones that just made you instantly feel at ease. The reception area was like a comforting hug, with its plush chairs and artwork that seemed to whisper promises of healing. And to top it off, there was this soft instrumental music playing in the background, creating this super chill atmosphere that made you feel like you were wrapped up in a secret haven of trust and support.
With Sarah by my side, we casually made our way to the counseling room. The door creaked open, unveiling a space that echoed the tranquility of the reception area. Inside, Ms. Henderson, our counselor, greeted us with a friendly smile that immediately put us at ease. Her office felt like a cozy haven, complete with potted plants and calming artwork that hinted at the openness of the upcoming conversation.
As we got settled, Sarah, always the icebreaker, leaned over and whispered, "I wonder if those plants have any counseling advice for us." We both chuckled, a small moment of lightness before diving into more serious matters.
Ms. Henderson, with her warm and approachable demeanor, caught onto our banter and joined in, saying, "Well, they're excellent listeners, so feel free to share your thoughts with them too." Her comment broke the ice even further, making the atmosphere more relaxed.
As we settled into the session, Ms. Henderson created an atmosphere that felt more like a heart-to-heart chat than a formal counseling session. She leaned back in her chair, a warm and encouraging smile on her face, making it clear that this was a safe space for open discussion.
"So, what's been on your mind lately?" Ms. Henderson asked, her tone gentle and inviting.
I took a moment, glancing at Sarah, who offered a reassuring nod. "Well, I've been having these episodes. They're kind of... intense, you know?" I gulped
"I wake up from sleep, breathing deeply, sweating, and shaking. In my mind, I know I woke up from a dream—maybe a nightmare—but I can never remember what it was about. It's erased from my head as soon as I wake up."
Ms. Henderson nodded understandingly. "Dreams can be powerful reflections of our subconscious. Is there anything else?."
"I'm not even sure they are dreams, but it's more like waking up in a cold sweat every night. Like a horror movie aftermath, you know?"
Sarah's concern was evident, "Yeah, seriously, it's like she's seen a ghost every morning. "
Trying to articulate the indescribable, I explained, "It's this heavy, oppressive feeling, like I'm trapped in a nightmare I can't remember. But the emotions stick—fear and anxiety. It's unsettling."
Nodding in understanding, Ms. Henderson prompted me on.
Reflecting, I acknowledged, "It's this lingering unease, like something ominous is hanging over me. But when I try to grasp the details, it slips away."
Ms. Henderson, with a thoughtful demeanor, remarked, "Waking up with intense emotions and a sense of unease suggests there might be something your subconscious is trying to process. It's like a mystery waiting to be unraveled."
"How often does this occur? The waking up in a cold sweat, the unease?" she inquired with a furrowed brow.
Reflecting on the nightly ritual, I confessed, "It's every night, without fail. It's like a routine I can't escape."
Ms. Henderson, adopting a thoughtful expression, further probed, "Consistency can be a key indicator. Is anything specific on your mind before bedtime? Have you noticed any triggers?"
Pausing to reflect, I struggled to identify a particular trigger, explaining, "It's hard to pinpoint. Life has its usual challenges, but nothing screams 'nightmare material.' It just feels like there's this looming cloud."
I glanced at Sarah. She seemed like she was far away, chewing her lower lip and staring at the floor intensely.
"And it's not just the night sweats. During the day, there's this lingering tension, like I'm waiting for something to jump out at me."
Ms. Henderson, leaning back in her chair, observed, "Daytime tension, nighttime unease... It sounds like your subconscious is carrying a weight. We need to explore what that might be."
Reflecting on potential sources, I mused, "Maybe it's schoolwork, this history assignment, or missing home. It's like there's this constant anticipation of something going wrong."
Ms. Henderson, nodding in acknowledgment, remarked, "Anticipation can be a heavy burden. Let's explore these anxieties and see if we can lift some of that weight."
The conversation flowed naturally, touching on dreams, fears, and moments of vulnerability. It was a collaborative effort, with Sarah and Ms. Henderson contributing to a discussion that felt like a shared exploration rather than a clinical examination. By the end of the session, I felt a sense of relief, knowing I had a support system in both my friend and my counselor as we navigated the twists and turns of self-discovery and healing.
As the session concluded, Ms. Henderson tuned in and looked at me. "You should download a sleep-tracking app. It'll help you track your sleeping habits and track which stage of sleep you are in by tracing your breathing, heartbeat, and brain activity. You'll know when your brain has entered dream mode." She paused. "I'd recommend you avoid sleeping alone, you could hurt yourself during these violent jerks. It'd be good to have someone with you. Also, reduce your workload and ask for help from those who can assist you."
I nodded understandingly. "Thank you so much,"
Ms. Henderson glanced down at her wristwatch. "We still have 20 minutes left; is there anything else that you want to talk about?" She asked with a sweet smile that sat perfectly on her face.
"Well," I started. I was wondering if it was okay to tell her about the thrift store. She'd probably not believe me. She'd think I'm losing it. "There's…" I felt a pinch on my thigh, and Sarah gave me a sign not to go there.
"No, there's nothing, Ms. Henderson, thank you so much," I said with a slight smile, hoping it was convincing.
"Okay, girls. I guess I'll see you at the next session."
As Sarah and I stepped out of the counseling center, the sun painted the campus in warm hues. The post-session relief lingered, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the guidance I received.
As we strolled towards the campus courtyard, discussing the insights gained during the session, a girl approached us with the same warm smile we had encountered earlier. Her laid-back aura created an instant connection, as if we were old friends catching up.
"Hey, you two!" Jonah greeted us, her voice carrying a blend of casualness and genuine interest. "I couldn't help but overhear your food plans. Mind if I join?"
Sarah and I exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between us. "Absolutely! The more, the merrier. We were just thinking of grabbing something from the café nearby. You in?" Sarah chimed.
Jonah's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Perfect! Lead the way."