The Man Who Smiled Too Much
CHAPTER 1: “The First Session”
//It started like a joke. At least, that’s how Mikhael treated it.//
Cody Miller
"Bro, you seriously need help"
*Cody had told him, tossing a basketball into the air while the others—Gabrielle and Jasmine—nodded behind him.*
*Mikhael laughed it off, like he always did.*
Mikhael Hayes
“Come on, therapy?”
Mikhael Hayes
“What am I gonna do there? Cry about my childhood while some old guy takes notes?”
*Jasmine said, raising a brow.*
Jasmine Harris
“She’s not old. She’s hot.”
*That got his attention.*
*He walked into a clean, white office smelling like lavender and new furniture.*
*He named on the frosted door: Dr. Aurora Sinclair. Psychiatrist.*
*He heard the quiet music played in the background. Something soft and calm. The place was nothing like him.*
*He had his usual smile on, the kind that made people think he was okay. The kind that covered up everything else.*
*She looked up from her desk as he entered. She was young. Pretty. Calm in a way he wasn’t used to. Her eyes studied him, and it made him feel… seen. He didn’t like that.*
Aurora Sinclair
“You must be Mikhael Hayes"
*She said, standing to shake his hand.*
Mikhael Hayes
“But you can call me anytime.”
*She gave a small, polite smile.*
Aurora Sinclair
“Have a seat.”
*They sat across from each other. Mikhael leaned back like he owned the place.*
Mikhael Hayes
“So, Dr. Sinclair”
Mikhael Hayes
“What’s your damage?”
Aurora Sinclair
“We’re here to talk about yours, not mine.”
Mikhael Hayes
“Tough crowd”
*Aurora observed him carefully, her voice even.*
Aurora Sinclair
“How are you feeling today?”
Mikhael Hayes
“I feel like I’m wasting your time”
*He replied, still smiling.*
Mikhael Hayes
“But if you’re getting paid, I’m glad to help.”
Aurora Sinclair
“You don’t believe in therapy?”
Mikhael Hayes
“I believe in good company”
*He said that while winking.*
Aurora Sinclair
“And why do you think your friends suggested this for you?”
Mikhael Hayes
“They worry too much. I’m fine. See?”
*He flashed his brightest smile.*
*Aurora paused for a moment.*
Aurora Sinclair
“You smile a lot.”
Mikhael Hayes
“It’s my best feature”
Aurora Sinclair
“It’s also a good mask.”
*His smile faded just a little. Not enough for her to call him out, but enough for her to notice.*
*He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, trying to regain control.*
Mikhael Hayes
“So what, Doc? You think you’ve already got me figured out?”
Aurora Sinclair
“you’re hiding something very painful behind that smile. And I think you’re exhausted.”
*He looked at her, really looked. The room felt smaller now.*
Mikhael Hayes
“You’re good.”
*Aurora didn’t reply. She just gave him a look that said, "I see you, even when you don’t want to be seen."*
*For a second, Mikhael didn’t know what to say. So he laughed again. Louder this time. But it didn’t feel real.*
*Aurora sat at her desk, looking at her notes.*
~/Mikhael Hayes. Hides behind humor. Avoids real questions. Possible unresolved trauma. Keep sessions consistent. Gain trust slowly./~
*She sighed, staring at the door he’d walked out of.*
*She had a feeling he’d be back.*
*And she had a feeling that smile of his was going to break her heart.*
Comments
Heathér.
🤨
2025-05-06
0
soo-bin
❤️❤️
2025-05-05
1