Free 1 Dewitched by E.L. Sarnoff Page B

her pretty gowns. Then, I would stand in front of her treasured mirror and pretend I was a beautiful princess, waiting for my handsome prince to come and take me away. Far away to a magnificent palace in a magical land. Far, far away from my mother.
    “I used to play make-believe,” I say, omitting the details of my childhood fantasy.
    “Perfect! Because that’s exactly what we’re going to play today. A game of make-believe.” 
    Ha! This should be fun.
    “Jane, if you were an object, what would you be?” 
    What kind of stupid question is that? I have no clue.
    “Jane, I’m waiting for an answer,” Shrink buzzes around the room impatiently.
    I survey my surroundings. “This chaise lounge,” I finally blurt out.
    “Why did you pick this chaise?” 
    “It happens to be here, right?” 
    “No, Jane. There must be a better reason. You could have picked the door, the clock, or your shoes. They’re here too.” 
    She has a point. Where is she going with this mind game?
    Hovering above me, she looks straight into my eyes. “So, Jane, why did you really pick the chaise?”
    “Because it reminds me of myself.” Why am I’m saying this? I don’t look like a piece of furniture.
    “How so, Jane?” Shrink’s interest is stirred.
    I sit up straight and examine the worn out chaise. My eyes take in its elegant lines and graceful curves. It’s actually a shame it’s so tattered.
    “Because it’s long and lean like me,” I say.
    “Yes, Jane, it is.” She seems pleased with my answer.
    “At some time, it must have been beautiful.”
    “What makes you say that?” 
    “It has good bones. I suppose, if it were re-upholstered, it would be beautiful again.” 
    “Jane, do you think you need to be re-upholstered?” 
    “That’s a ridiculous question!” I laugh. Though when I think about it, I could use a new head of hair.
    “Fine, Jane. Then, answer this. What’s the difference between you and the chaise?” 
    Okay, now she wants to prove I’m stupid. Anyone with a brain knows the difference.
     “Um…. I’m a person and the chaise is a piece of furniture?” I say with obvious sarcasm.
    “That’s right, Jane. The chaise is an object. What’s the difference between a person and an object?” 
    Another stupid question! Who does she think I am--some dopey dwarf? Well, two can play at this game.
    “Duh! A person can see and feel; an object can’t.” 
    “Jane, enough with the attitude,” says Shrink harshly. “Now, close your eyes and imagine the life of this chaise.” 
    Reluctantly, I close my eyes and fantasize where this chaise once lived. For sure, it must have inhabited a beautiful palace, full of riches and regal people. Generation after generation lounged on it until it was worn out and ultimately given away.
    “It must have belonged to a royal family,” I tell her after opening my eyes.
     “Yes. It did. A queen once nursed her twin infant sons on it. They grew up to be a kind, handsome princes.” 
    In my head, I picture a woman cradling a baby boy in her arms. Her head is lowered, her lips pressed against his warm, silky skull. When she lifts her head, I see her face and jolt. The mother with the child is me !
    “Jane, I’m going to ask you again; what’s the difference between you and this chaise?” 
    My lips quiver. “This chaise has known love.”
    “Jane, did your mother love you?” 
    A painful knot forms in my stomach. I don’t want to talk about my mother. I can’t! Just in time, the chime sounds.
    “Jane, time’s up for today. I’ll see you here tomorrow.” 
    Slowly, I peel myself off the chaise. I don’t want to leave it. Not today.
     
    ***
     
    At lunch, I have no appetite. And I’m in no mood for conversation. I half-listen as Elz picks Winnie’s brain about her next move with Hook.
    “Don’t forget to play hard-to-get. Remember, men are basically thrill seekers engaged by hunting instincts,” instructs Winnie.
    The conversation turns to me.