P.R.I.S.M of Memories -on Hold

Chapter One

~Conrad~

I stare at the ceiling fan. Lost in my own thoughts. Disinterested in what the good doctor had to say. I hear her prattling on and on. I'm so done with this. It's my last session. At least this couch is comfortable. I could probably squeeze in a quick nap and play it off as "deep thinking"...all I have to do is close my eyes....

"Conrad", Dr. Cervera said sharply.

I roll my eyes.

"Yes?"

I drag out the word to show my irritation.

She purses her lips. I'm well aware of how much she disliked me. A nationally acclaimed psychologist wasting her valuable, precious time on me. Not like she had much of a choice. I doubt anyone can really turn down a request from the CIA without some serious repercussions. I bet she is even happier about this being the last session than I am. Now she can fly back to New York where she came from and never think of me again. Must've been a pain in her ass having to move down here just for me.

It's not like I wanted to be here either. This was the deal Dad made to get me out of the cell I was in. As much as I hate these sessions, I would choose this over that cell in a heartbeat.

"I realize how...ecstatic you are that this is our final meeting. But I can not stress how important it is that you keep writing in your dream journal."

"Seriously?"

That damn thing. The first thing in the morning that I want to do when I wake up is go back to sleep. Not write down my dreams.

"I know you feel continuing this exercise may seem seem silly and pointless. But it's important that you pay attention to your subconscious. This entire ordeal hasn't been easy on you, Conrad. Losing a year worth of memories has caused a series of unfortunate incidents for you. Having to hear all the unpleasantness of what happened in that year in one shot...it's a great deal to take in."

I remain silent. Don't want to add fuel to this fire. I have a decent idea of where she's going with this.

"Honestly, Conrad, I wish you would continue our sessions. It would be at no cost to your family or you."

"Because the CIA is footing the bill, right?"

"We may not have been able to help you recover your memories but there is always a possibility. So it's important that you keep trying."

I nod my head. She ignored my question. Everyone just loves to pretend that "they" are not involved.

"Before I officially close this session...I have to ask."

I groan. It's the same question every damn time!

"Conrad...do you remember anything about your time with the terrorist known as Astra? A favorite food? Or a color? Even something that seems insignificant could assist in her capture."

I shake my head and sit up. "I wish that I did remember something. Anything. Because of her...I've had to suffer interrogations from nearly every branch of the damn government. Not to mention she is somehow responsible, which I still don't understand how, for my memory loss. I had to hear about my parents' divorce a year after it actually happened, adjust to moving, and I almost failed 10th grade. Do you have any idea how many remedial classes I had to take? And to top it all off, I've had to wake up early every Saturday for the past two years to come here. Believe me when I say this...if I remembered anything...I would've said something."

Dr. Cervera's face was expressionless as she scribbles away in her worn leather journal. "I believe you are being sincere."

She places it on the desk behind her.