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Post by Pendio on Jan 31, 2017 12:52:11 GMT -8
"Well, first I'd like to let you know that I've never done anything like this before," Benedikt states. "I'm a composer for symphony orchestra and opera here in Sparta. I've got various shows running almost constantly. I was a language teacher at Avalon State University for some time, but that was a while ago... Anyway, I was born in Sweden in 1875... That's why I'm here, Doctor."
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Post by DekuNut on Jan 31, 2017 13:24:17 GMT -8
Brandon raises an eyebrow, "In 1875? You mean, over a century ago?" He was surprised both that the information was so easy to get and exactly how long this guy had lived. He barely looked old enough to be born in 1975.
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Post by Pendio on Jan 31, 2017 14:22:03 GMT -8
Benedikt was almost out of breath after having told Dr. Ostberg about his condition. It had been quite like ripping off a bandaid. "Yes. I think I age at about one fourth the speed of what's deemed normal. It was awfully obvious as a kid, and now, as an adult it's awful because I outlive everyone I get to know, so lately I've tried to not get too close to anyone." He lowers his gaze slightly. "But who am I to expect you to believe all of these ridiculous claims I make?"
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Post by DekuNut on Jan 31, 2017 18:46:01 GMT -8
"Benedikt," Brandon leans forward in his chair, "We live in a world where people can turn rings into weapons of infinite energy and where others can control their own perception of time to create the illusion of speed. I can believe something that could have its roots in normal biology," he gives a sly grin, "So you needed to talk to someone? Get it all out?"
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Post by Pendio on Feb 1, 2017 6:48:02 GMT -8
"Thank you. I ... well, this is very confidential of course. While growing up everyone around me thought of me as some kind of monster, and treated me as such. My parents included. Of course everyone from then have long since passed away, just like most other people I've met in my life. I just can't ever seem to get used to it. I've lived here in the states since the mid 1940s, right after World War II came to an end. Since then I've been able to keep it all a secret in order to avoid being treated the way I used to be treated. At first I lived in Avalon and eventually taught at the university there, but for the past 26 years I've been living here in Sparta and I've made a name for myself in the music industry. Everything should be good, but forcing myself to not get close to anyone becomes harder for each day that passes."
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Post by DekuNut on Feb 1, 2017 14:10:52 GMT -8
"Doctor-client confidentiality," Brandon promised, "None of what you say will leave this room," he continues to listen and nods. Living life without friends, without family, without confidants... he couldn't imagine it. Life was stressful enough as it was, without forced separation and long life. The man in front of him was emotionally stronger than Brandon ever would be.
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Post by Pendio on Feb 2, 2017 7:56:54 GMT -8
"I don't know how much longer I can take this," Benedikt says. "I've seriously considered suicide several times but I can never bring myself to go through with it. I've also considered just screwing it and live life as anyone would. At least that way I wouldn't have to live in this solitude. But it would bring back all of my old problems. In time people would notice my slow aging and treat me like an alien. And even if there's someone who treats me with respect despite knowing my secret, they'll die long before my body even looks remotely old. Someone who is born today will likely have died of old age before my body is like that of a 60 year old... I just don't know what to do. I don't know how to go on like this..."
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Post by DekuNut on Feb 9, 2017 15:57:10 GMT -8
Brandon nods, "Can't say I can provide a suggestion immediately, but I'm always here to listen in if you just need to tell stories and get things off your chest. It's all professional, all confidential, and as time goes on, I can help figure out a way to get you back and social again without so much heartbreak and alienation. How does that sound?" This was a lot for him to take in, and to be honest, he was interested in hearing about how his life has changed over the years. He'd always been a history buff, so this was a pretty great opportunity for him, so long as it worked out.
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Post by Pendio on Feb 10, 2017 15:22:31 GMT -8
"That sounds wonderful, doctor." Benedikt wonders to himself why he hadn't looked for this kind of help until now. It felt really good venting to someone like this, knowing that his secrets were safe. He feels inclined to tell Dr. Ostberg more about his life, but he is somehow extra hesitant to tell the doctor about the one big thing that he had yet to mention.
"Have you ever heard of a hooded crime fighter who calls himself Bragi?" Benedikt asks Ostberg. "I don't expect you to know of him. Some call him a hero, others call him a vigilante and a menace."
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Post by DekuNut on Feb 13, 2017 16:51:44 GMT -8
Brandon is writing in his notes, but at the name of "Bragi" he stops, just for a second, then continues writing, "The name's been mentioned at times," Brandon replied cheerfully, "Why bring him up?" Brandon's eyes drift away from the paper and over to a similarly-named file sitting underneath a pile of papers in the corner of his desk.
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Post by Pendio on Feb 14, 2017 14:28:32 GMT -8
Benedikt becomes quiet for a while when he doesn't know how to continue, or if he even should continue at all. "Well, I've always had three major interests that I've been passionate about for as long as I can remember. Music is the most obvious one, and languages is the other interest that means the most to me. The third one is not as obvious. Well, at least I don't think it is..." Benedikt becomes silent and just stares into the air in front of him. He wasn't sure he could say it.
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Post by DekuNut on Feb 16, 2017 14:31:29 GMT -8
Brandon picks up on the hesitation, but decides to push a little more, "And from what I've heard of both, you're quite skilled," he sets his pencil down, "What's the third thing?"
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Post by Pendio on Feb 17, 2017 15:29:05 GMT -8
"I uhm..." Benedikt tries hard but is still unable to say it out loud. "I'm sorry, doctor, but perhaps we can book a new session in about a week or so. Well, only if it suits you of course." Benedikt draws his hand through his hair. "I understand if you're busy."
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Post by DekuNut on Feb 19, 2017 1:42:14 GMT -8
Brandon realizes that he'd been pushing a little hard. This is why he tried not to get too invested in patients, "Yes, of course that's fine, Benedikt. I'll have time to meet up. When are you open?" he pops open his calendar app and checks through his appointments.
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Post by Pendio on Feb 19, 2017 3:23:33 GMT -8
Benedikt takes a quick look on his phone. "Does Monday at 11 AM work?" he asks.
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Post by DekuNut on Feb 24, 2017 22:04:05 GMT -8
Brandon scrolls through his calendar, "The time works perfectly," he replies, "If you need to reschedule for whatever reason, you know how to contact me."
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Post by Pendio on Feb 26, 2017 2:37:18 GMT -8
Benedikt bows his head. "Thanks again, Dr. Ostberg. I look forward to next time." He then grabs his stuff and exits the office and the building. He felt great. He felt lighter than before. As if a heavy weight had lifted.
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Post by DekuNut on Mar 12, 2017 16:04:31 GMT -8
Brandon finishes writing his notes and shuts his notebook. He glances over at his phone, but decides not to call up Anthony. Not yet. He makes a copy of his notes and puts them in a new folder labeled with Benedikt's name. He put one of each copy into his two different directories, then went to lunch. He had a break before his next appointment.
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Post by Pendio on Apr 29, 2017 12:04:01 GMT -8
It was Monday at 11AM and Benedikt took a seat in the waiting room. The past week since his previous appointment with Dr. Ostberg had been good. Why he hadn't talked to a professional like this earlier was beyond him. He hoped to make some further progress on today's session.
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Post by DekuNut on May 18, 2017 10:38:04 GMT -8
Brandon gets the buzzer from his secretary, "He's here, sir." "Thank you, Marianne. Send him in," he puts his files away and takes out the notebook he'd been using for Benedikt. He wasn't complex to diagnose. There were three options: first, he could be a pathological liar with an attention deficit; second, he could be undifferentiated schizophrenic; or third, he could be telling the truth. This would no doubt involve lots of repressed feelings, some emotional disorders, and quite possibly trust issues. This seemed to be the most likely case in his opinion, and as such he knows that the best he can do to help this patient is to listen to his story and keep it quiet. He returns to his desk.
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