In Audrey’s view, Mr. World’s current state wasn’t yet mental illness, nor would it lead to losing control. It was just that his life goals and meaning of existence had been shattered, creating a certain psychological block. As long as she could properly guide him, help him establish short- and medium-term goals, and gradually find meaning in life, the problem would be resolved.
In the silence filled with tranquil darkness, Audrey heard Gehrman Sparrow’s deep voice from behind the wall: “No.”
Just as expected… Audrey wasn’t surprised. She smoothly asked: “Then did he seek his family’s last words? Did he look for their graves? Did he try to find out the cause of their slumber?”
Behind the wall, the spirit seemed to disappear for a few seconds, completely still. After a long while, the hoarse voice spoke slowly: “No. Not yet.”
Not yet… That means there will be a future? Audrey’s heart immediately lightened, because she could clearly sense that the emotional state of The World, Gehrman Sparrow, was no longer so dark and dull, as if lacking interest in everything. He had gained some motivation, a hint of urgency, but still seemed quite lost.
Seizing the opportunity, Audrey used “Soothe” again. This time it was much more effective than before. At least, she thought that Mr. World had used it to escape the sinking abyss of depression and return to the state of a normal person feeling down.
Next, Audrey didn’t discuss how to search for traces or investigate the cause, as that might cause resistance. As if naturally, she nodded in the dark confessional and said: “Mm, there are many things you can still do, many problems to make up for! Maybe you still have a chance to meet blood relatives? Maybe his family didn’t die of old age but are still alive for some reason? Life has meaning precisely because of infinite possibilities.
“In the process of searching, you must not ignore the scenery around you. Life is not just a single main road; there are many side paths and alleyways. If only the former existed, how monotonous would that be? You must learn to engage, to experience, to discover…”
Audrey, trying to recall suitable words from various books, suddenly thought of something and softened her voice: “Also, don’t put on that thick mask.”
A lighter and more transparent one is fine, because in interactions between people, no one is completely unmasked; no one likes to directly reveal their more private or unfavorable sides. This is both self-protection and respect for others… Once Mr. World has some friends, life will naturally reconstruct new meaning… Audrey silently added a few more sentences in her heart, but ultimately didn’t say them, because she thought it was too direct and might backfire.
As expected, Gehrman Sparrow fell silent again, still quite lost.
After a few seconds, the voice, less hoarse now, came through: “Thank you for your guidance and treatment.”
“No, it all comes from the power within you,” Audrey replied earnestly.
She used “Soothe” one last time to ensure Mr. World’s mental state was close to normal and wouldn’t relapse.
Then she heard Gehrman Sparrow say: “Can we end here for today?”
Audrey adjusted her tone again and answered cheerfully: “Of course. It’s not that serious a problem. When are you free next week for a follow-up?
“Also, if possible, prepare some concoctions to stabilize your mental state and take them for seven consecutive days. The ingredients are: 10 grams of chamomile powder, 5 grams of rosemary powder, 10 ml of lemon balm extract… During this time, don’t reduce your intake of sweets, and relax appropriately…”
In the dark, quiet confessional, she supported herself with her hand against the wall and slowly stood up.
At that moment, Gehrman Sparrow’s voice pierced through the wall: “What is the consultation fee?”
Audrey, one hand on the wall, tilted her head slightly and thought for a moment: “Let’s wait until I get the Sequence 5 potion formula for the Spectator pathway. Then I might have to ask you to help me gather the materials.
“If the Psychology Alchemists provide the materials along with the formula, hmm…”