Chapter 121: “Miss Psychiatrist”
This Translation is hosted on bcatranslation.com
As Duncan and his companions emerged from the museum’s west wing, they were greeted by the invigorating freshness of the open air and the bright, clear sky. Shirley was the first to express her joy. “Fantastic! We made it out!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up with relief.
Duncan was about to comment on Shirley’s sudden shift in mood when he felt the woman he had been carrying stir in his arms. The combination of fresh air and their bumpy escape had finally roused her from unconsciousness.
He carefully lowered her to the ground as Heidi’s senses began to awaken. The first sensation was a throbbing pain in her forehead, quickly followed by a coughing fit from the smoke she had inhaled. As the coughing subsided, she began to piece together her situation, realizing the warmth of the sun and the scent of fresh air meant she was no longer inside the burning museum.
“You’re awake,” Nina said, kneeling beside Heidi with concern etched on her young face. “How are you feeling? Are you in pain?”
“Headache… Did you save me?” Heidi squinted as her eyes adjusted to the bright light. “Ah, it’s the two girls…”
“You recognize us?” Shirley asked, surprised.
“We haven’t met, but I remember seeing you in the museum,” Heidi clarified as she propped herself up into a sitting position, looking around to make sense of her surroundings. “This is…”
“You were unconscious when the fire broke out,” Nina quickly explained. “Shirley and I dragged you to safety. Then my uncle Duncan braved the flames to get us. We carried you out as well. You’re safe now.”
“Uncle… Ah, this gentleman?” Heidi’s eyes settled on Duncan, who stood nearby. She tried to stand and thank him, but her legs were shaky and gave out.
“Easy there,” Duncan said, catching her by the waist and steadying her.
“Thank you,” Heidi said weakly, bowing her head in gratitude. “I can’t express how grateful I am. Without your help, I would have perished in that fire.”
“There’s no need for thanks,” Duncan reassured her with a kind smile. “It seems we have a mutual acquaintance… Mr. Morris. Do you know him?”
Heidi’s face showed surprise as she looked at Duncan, puzzled. “That’s my father… how do you know him?”
“Your pendant,” Duncan gestured to the amethyst pendant around her neck. “He purchased it from my antique shop.”
Heidi looked astonished as she glanced down at her pendant. “Really?”
Duncan chuckled, “Small world, right?” He extended his hand. “I’m Duncan, owner of an antique shop in the lower city. This is my niece, Nina, and this young lady is…”
“Shirley!” Shirley interrupted, eager to introduce herself. “You can call me Shirley!”
“Heidi, nice to meet you all,” Heidi said, shaking Duncan’s hand, gradually regaining her composure. “I work as a psychiatrist.”
And so, under unlikely and harrowing circumstances, the group found themselves connected by both the dramatic events of the day and the smaller, intricate threads of life.
“A psychiatrist?” Duncan’s eyebrows arched in curiosity. “You practice psychiatry?”
“Yes, I might look young, but I’m fully licensed with senior credentials,” Heidi said with a note of pride. She searched through her bag, pulling out a crumpled business card and handing it to Duncan. “Here’s my card. If needed, I’d be happy to offer a free consultation.”
Duncan examined the business card, noting the clinic’s upper city address, Heidi’s full name, license number, and a mysterious alphanumeric code labeled “Express Courier Code.” He found it intriguing, knowing this premium service was a costly but quick delivery option within the city, using high-pressure steam pipes and standardized capsules.
Stowing the card in his pocket, Duncan refocused on Heidi, who began to speak again. “Would you be interested in a post-traumatic assessment?”
Heidi’s offer was met with puzzled looks, prompting her to explain further. “It’s a free service. People often struggle with psychological issues after traumatic events, especially in places filled with historical objects and relics. The intensity of the trauma, combined with the influence of ancient artifacts, can create lasting psychological imprints.”
Heidi was clearly trying to simplify her professional terms, aware that her offer could be misunderstood as condescending.
Duncan felt no offense and saw no need for a psychological evaluation. He knew his presence was formidable, deterring even malevolent spirits. Shirley, having faced cultists and dark entities, hardly needed psychological help. If anything, those who encountered her wrath might need mental health support.
However, Duncan thought Nina might genuinely benefit from psychiatric assistance. It wasn’t just the recent fire ordeal; Nina had been experiencing unsettling dreams and emotional ups and downs for some time. Realizing his own limitations in addressing her mental and emotional complexities, he considered the value of having a willing and credentialed psychiatrist offering her services.
“Nina could use some expert advice,” Duncan said, looking warmly at Nina and ruffling her hair. “She’s been dealing with more than just today’s fire. She’s had disturbing dreams and her emotional well-being has been shaky.”
“I’m really okay, Uncle,” Nina protested softly, uncomfortable with her struggles being exposed.
Still nursing her head wound, Heidi pointed to herself and grinned. “Well, I’m offering my services for free.” She winced as she touched the swollen area on her forehead. “Ouch! That hurts.”
“Since she’s offering, and she kind of owes us one, why not?” Shirley suggested.
“Fine,” Nina agreed reluctantly. “What’s involved in a mental health assessment? Can we do it right here? Do I have to fill out any forms?”
“For a thorough evaluation, I prefer a quiet, private setting, and I need to be in better condition—free from this painful lump on my forehead,” Heidi said, chuckling. “I pride myself on thorough assessments, not quick diagnoses. How about this? Tomorrow is a school day for you, Nina. If you’re available in the afternoon, I could come to your house for a session. I can get your address from my dad.”
She touched her forehead again, wincing. “Right now, though, I need medical assistance for this—ouch!”
“There are sheriffs and medical professionals across the square,” Duncan suggested. “Would you like us to accompany you?”
“I’m fine, really,” Heidi waved them off. She looked back at the smoke rising from the museum, her expression turning to regret. “My much-anticipated vacation has literally gone up in smoke.”
“It’s unfortunate when a vacation turns into a disaster,” Duncan remarked, “but we are all still standing, aren’t we?”
“You do have a point,” Heidi admitted, smiling despite her fatigue. She sighed, muttering to herself, “If only these heretics would give it a rest, maybe I’d actually enjoy some time off. Oh, I apologize. I shouldn’t vent my frustrations to people I’ve just met. That’s rather inappropriate.”
“Duncan originally wanted to comment on her quick change of attitude when the lady on his suddenly stirred—the woman finally woke up under the stimulation of the fresh air and the bumps along the way.”
That should be “the lady on his back”, right?
They have pneumatic tubes lmao
Very sucky?