Delilah Joins The Talk

Tzeitel’s hand moved slow, then fast. The tip of her finger barely touched the Nurse’s hand before she withdrew. Her heart was pounding. She felt like she had touched a hot stove.

“That’s a start.” Nurse pulled her hand back and set it on her lap. “It takes time and practice, but eventually it will stop hurting so much. With time it won’t hurt anymore. Practice, Tzeitel. You’ve made the first step to true freedom from your fears.”

Tzeitel clutched her hand, staring at it. She half expected to see a blister rising on her fingertip. It hurt. “I don’t want to do that again.”

“You need to do it, though.” Nurse insisted again. “Start with doing it just once a day.”

Tzeitel's eyes filled with tears. She felt overwhelmed.

“You’re done for today, okay?” Nurse told her. “I’m proud of you for facing your fear.”

Tzeitel did not feel proud of herself at all. She felt weak. She lost complete control earlier. She hugged her legs, burying her face in her knees.

There would be a buzzing sound and the door to the room would open, Delilah walking in. “Hm?” She blinked and walked around the bed to find Nurse and Tzeitel. “Why are you on the floor?” She asked.

“Just some girl talk.” Nurse said, rescuing Tzeitel from having to explain.

Tzeitel peered up at Delilah. She was not looking forward to this lecture. She was clearly miserable.

Delilah decided to sit with them. “So, can you explain to me what caused this panic attack, Tzeitel?” She asked.