Returning to the Clinic

Instead of taking a cab to his psychiatrist, Lethe decided to take the metro. The metro was an underground subway system with newspaper stands, echoing platforms, and mildewy tunnels. Crowds surged through the subterranean labyrinth and street performers sang and played their instruments. The scowling faces of vendors and winos were ignored by the flowing masses. Gypsies crouched against walls, begging for change, but nobody noticed them.

The Senora was surprised that morning when he told her he wanted to take the metro. He sat in the waiting room and looked at the faces of the patients. They didn't look as hopeless as they seemed before. The secretary had emerald-green eyes and she laughed to herself like she was sharing a private joke with someone.

During Lethe’s session with the psychiatrist, Senorita L. told him that she had spoken to his father over the weekend. “I was able to convince your father that you’re better off in Spain.”

The Senorita opened a brief case and removed a couple papers for him to sign. “Your father and I have come up with a contract. This is so we all agree on the same thing. All the contract says is that you will come to see me twice a week. In return for seeing me you will receive five-hundred dollars as an allowance.”

“Each week?” Lethe asked, surprised.

“No, no, no. Each month. In addition, your father wants me to send him monthly reports on your improvement.”

Could it be this easy? Lethe wondered.

“I’m guessing your father is under a lot of pressure with the divorce and he thinks it would be easier for everyone if you stayed here in Madrid. I told him that your senora takes good care of you and that he has nothing to worry about. I said that in six months time we can work through your issues. By the time you return home, you should be clear-minded and serene.”

Clear-minded and serene. Lethe liked that. He thanked Senorita L. for her excellent negotiations.

“Normally, my father is not so forgiving. I can’t believe he’s paying me to live here. It’s got to be because of the divorce.”

After his session with the psychiatrist, Lethe went for a walk. He was in no hurry to return home to the Senora’s apartment. Spaniards were out strolling in the squares with their families. Older grandchildren walked side by side their grandparents. It seemed odd to Lethe. He wasn’t used to seeing families helping each out and spending time together in public. The only time you saw that in the United States was when parents were with their youngest children; but in Spain you saw the children taking care of the parents.