“Yes, I agree. Goals are fundamental to me.”
“Could you share with me what your goals are? And how do you feel you have been improving on the goals we set?”
He leaned back now, an assured smile on his face as he braced his arm on the back of the couch. “I’m feeling very confident about how things are. You could say that I’m feeling very energized to succeed.”
“That’s great. I love to hear when clients are feeling better. What have you changed in your life to bring about this new energy?”
“Did I ever tell you about my wife?” He asked, changing the subject abruptly.
“No, I don’t believe you have. You’ve only mentioned you were no longer married.”
“Yes. Well. I’m a widower, actually. My wife unfortunately died last year.” He dipped his head, but I didn’t see any grief or sadness portrayed in his features, just an obligatory reflection of what he felt needed to be displayed.
“I’m so sorry to hear that. How are you doing with it? I’m sure it’s been difficult.”
“It was,” he agreed, nodding. “Yes, it was very challenging, but it was time.”
“Oh, was she sick? Had she been diagnosed with something?”
“You could say she was sick.”
A weird feeling formed in my belly, the confusion in his statement sending tendrils of apprehension through me, alerting all my red flag sensors. “How have you been dealing with your grief?”
“Well, actually.”
“Oh? And you’ve gone through the grieving process and landed on acceptance?”
“Yes, I have accepted her death.”
“Can you tell me the importance of bringing her up today?”
“Oh, yes, yes! Let me get back to my story. So, my wife’s death. It was supposed to be the start, the turning point of my new next chapter in life. But instead, my son ruined it all. And I’m not sure I can ever forgive him for that.”
“It sounds like you carry a lot of anger and hatred towards your son.”
“Affirmative.”
“Anger is one of those emotions we only really feel on the surface. Usually, under our anger are other emotions such as hurt, sadness, or betrayal. Perhaps that’s what you’re experiencing?”
“Definitely betrayal. I taught him better. I raised him to be a man, to be a certain way, and then the moment I needed him, he turned his back on me and chose them.”
“Sounds like his choices upset you?” I leaned forward, his emotion for once appearing real.
“Of course, it fucking upset me!” He roared, causing me to jump back at his outrage, my emotions showing for a split second before I pulled my blank mask back on.
“It seems like a lot of tension stems from this relationship.”
“I want to make him pay,” he spat, the vehemence in his words palpable.
Swallowing, I breathed in for a second, calming my heart. “I can understand how that might feel like the answer, but in my experience, revenge isn’t the only option, nor the best solution. I believe it was Socrates who said, ‘He that would take revenge better dig two graves’ so perhaps we can find a different outcome.”
“In my experience, Mrs. Carter, that phrase is only relevant if you’re not the one holding the shovel.” His voice had become cold, calculated, and for once, he matched the energy and vibe he presented. I guess Dayton had decided to quit playing the game.
“What do you mean exactly?”
“Well, you see, dear. If you have the shovel, then you can smack the other person in the head and bury them.”
Fear began to course through me at his statement. My heart rate increased as I searched my tools and training on how to deal with something like this. He didn’t appear to be joking or one to speak in hyperbole. “It sounds like you have some strong emotions around this. Would you say you’re feeling violent towards your son?”