Read Online The Wednesday Group by Sylvia True - Free Book Online

course.” Kathryn takes her notebook from her bag and flips through it, stopping when she sees the summaries she wrote just an hour ago.
    Gail: Needs control. Is her life more out of control than she wants to admit?
    Flavia: Brave. Beautiful. Seems like a risk-taker.
    Bridget: Young, raw. In shock.
    Lizzy: Uses her husband’s desire for her as a barometer of her own self-worth.
    Hannah: A good listener. But holding back.
    â€œI’d rather you not turn to your notes at the moment. I think it would be best if you just answer my questions. Did you explain that the group wasn’t a place to judge others?” O’Reilly asks.
    â€œI did. But I think Bridget felt judged by Gail, and that’s what sparked her anger.”
    O’Reilly rubs her chin. “You know, after Bridget’s interview I said I thought she was volatile. I doubt I would have recommended her.”
    â€œI chose her because she seemed to be in a lot of pain, and she doesn’t have a therapist or anyone to really talk to about all this.”
    O’Reilly takes a deep breath. “Perhaps it would have been better to have told Bridget that individual therapy is generally suggested before diving into a group. Of course it’s too late now. But it might be worth considering if a situation such as this arises in the future. And”—she wags a finger—“if Bridget is the reason Gail leaves, it’s likely she’ll pin her anger on another member.”
    â€œShe seemed to get along with the others.”
    â€œYes, because she had Gail. But really, you must understand without Gail, she will find someone else to target. Perhaps I should call Gail and speak with her,” O’Reilly suggests.
    â€œI think we should wait and see if she returns.” Kathryn looks at the clock on the desk. It’s already five past four. This session needs to end.
    â€œNo, I think a check-in call would be good. I don’t see what harm it could do, and Gail did have confidence in me. Perhaps I could reassure her.”
    Kathryn pushes aside her bangs. “I know she likes you and has faith in you, but I’d like to see if I can build a relationship with her on my own. So, if you wouldn’t mind…”
    O’Reilly nods enthusiastically. “Yes, I see your point. Why don’t we see what happens next week then, give you more time to form a bond.”
    â€œThank you,” Kathryn says.
    â€œBut if Gail does come next Wednesday, it’s imperative that you provide a safe environment for every group member.”
    For the moment, Kathryn feels relief that her supervisor won’t be calling Gail, who might report that Hannah was having doubts about returning as well.
    â€œI’ll do that,” Kathryn says.
    â€œIf she is not there, I’d like you to call me first thing Thursday morning. Then I would need to contact her and see what’s going on.”
    â€œAll right.” She looks at the clock again, then stands. “I’m sorry, but I’m meeting someone in half an hour.” Just last week, she read an article about how lying to your supervisor is a form of denial. It’s probably true, and Kathryn promises herself she will think about her behavior, but at the moment, she only wants out.

 
    Gail
    Gail is fifty-nine today. She doesn’t remind Jonah of her birthday when he makes the coffee and she cuts the cantaloupe.
    â€œWell,” he says, after he finishes breakfast, “I’m off.” With his gray eyes set too close, his ears too large, and his thin lips, he might not be the most objectively handsome of men, but he has what Gail loves—an intelligent, thoughtful countenance.
    He walks to where she sits and places a light kiss on her cheek. The touch is electric. Magical even. But then he’s gone, and she’s left with her lukewarm tea and a body that feels lethargic.
    Slowly, she pushes herself up from the table and takes