Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 6 - Healing?

Maddy left for school that day, a little sad, but had to keep on her cheerful face for everyone to see. It was now becoming a burden to have to keep up this facade of everything being ok.

Madison walked into Mrs. O'Reilly's office later in the day with a defensive posture, exuding an air of self-assuredness. She took a seat, crossed her arms, and stared at the floor.

Mrs. O'Reilly greeted her warmly, trying to break through the walls Madison had built around herself. "Hello, Madison. You don't come in very often, it's good to see you. Talk to me, how are you feeling?"

Madison fidgeted in her seat, her voice guarded. "I don't really have anything to talk about. My mom thinks something's wrong with me, but I'm fine."

Mrs. O'Reilly leaned forward slightly, maintaining a gentle presence. "Sometimes, people that care for and love us notice changes in us that we may not be aware of ourselves. Your mom cares about you deeply, and she wants the best for you. Can you help me understand what made her reach out?"

Madison's eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape. Being that there wasn't any, she once again resigned herself to her situation. "I don't know... she thinks I'm acting differently, I guess. But I'm just going through some stuff, like everyone else."

Mrs. O'Reilly maintained her calm demeanor, patiently encouraging Madison to open up. "It's okay to go through stuff, Madison. We all face challenges in life. If you feel comfortable, can you share a little more about what's been going on?"

Madison hesitated, then decided to be vulnerable just for a second, her voice barely coming above a whisper. "I've been feeling... I don't know, overwhelmed, I guess. family, schoolwork... it's too much."

Mrs. O'Reilly nodded, acknowledging Madison's struggle. "Feeling overwhelmed is a perfectly valid experience, and it can be difficult to navigate on your own. Is there anything specific that's been weighing on your mind?"

Madison shifted in her seat. "I don't know... maybe the pressure to fit in, to be someone I'm not. It's exhausting."

Mrs. O'Reilly nodded empathetically. "The need to fit in and be accepted is something many people struggle with, especially during their teenage years. It can be draining to constantly try to meet certain expectations. Have you noticed any changes in your behavior or emotions that might be connected to this pressure?"

Madison paused. "I... I don't know. Sometimes I feel like I have to be mean to others to protect myself. It's like if I show weakness, they'll use it against me."

Mrs. O'Reilly listened attentively, recognizing the vulnerability in Madison's words. "It sounds like you're carrying a lot on your shoulders, Madison. The need to protect yourself is understandable, but there may be healthier ways to navigate those challenges. Can you tell me more about your experiences with others?"

Madison's voice quivered as she hesitatingly a glimpse of her struggles. "Sometimes, I... I say things to people, you know, make fun of them or put them down. It's like I can't help it. It makes me feel... in control, I guess."

Mrs. O'Reilly maintained her compassionate presence. "Thank you for sharing that, Madison. It takes courage to acknowledge our behaviors, even if they're negative. Can you help me understand what might be driving these actions? What do you think lies beneath that need for control?"

Madison hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know... maybe... maybe it's because I feel so out of control in other areas of my life. I don't want to be vulnerable. I don't want others to see my weaknesses."

At that point, the wall Maddy had built up over the years broke. And all the emotions and feelings came gushing out, all at once, in an unstoppable wave.