CORRIDORS OF HEALING

“Well,” she said, looking at him too, “It’s not exactly true I don’t want to go out with you. I just figured that since we’re both in therapy, it may feel a little weird” she said uneasily and Ato burst into laughter.

“We are not going to be doing anything crazy; drinks, lunch, dinner, whatever is okay with you. We easily strike conversations when we meet.

I think we can get to know each other better. No ulterior motives,” he lifted his hands in surrender.

“Okay,” she replied softly. She was comfortable with her decision and hoped everything would go well. They set a date for Friday evening and exchanged contact details. Lisa had a session with Dr Ansah in five minutes. Ato promised to call her later. They said goodbyes and parted ways.

******

Friday at eight pm, they found themselves at Golden Gate restaurant, sitting cosily at a corner table for two, candlelight burning softly. They had finished eating but chitchatting and sipping wine, “Can we dive a little deeper into this conversation?” Ato asked causally after setting his glass on the table. Lisa perked up lightly, “It’s nothing serious”

“It sounds like we’re about to talk about the world coming to an end…” Lisa interjected.

Ato laughed, “No,” he said, “I’m just tempted to ask why you’re seeing Dr Ansah,”

“Isn’t that too personal to ask on our first date?”

“Exactly why I’ve been trying not to ask, and I’ve failed, clearly” Ato shrugged, “You know, we shouldn’t even go there tonight. We have all the time to explore, assuming I’ll get a second date…”

“Are you planning another date already?”

“I’m assuming this one is going well”

Lisa smiled and sipped some wine, “yes, it is” she said softly, “I don’t have a problem sharing why I’m seeing Dr Ansah…, as long as we’re making conversation”

“Sure.., of course,” Ato said, quite surprised she was okay after all with sharing that part of herself with him.

Seeing a psychologist was a big thing in itself, but opening up to someone else other than your therapist was even bigger; it required total certainty and confidence in the other person, and suddenly Ato was concerned, not wanting Lisa to do anything she really didn’t want to, “Are you sure?” he asked firmly.