Imagine coming home and discovering your worst fears unfolding right in front of you. That’s exactly what Diana faced one particularly troubling day.

Already struggling with depression, she stumbled upon a scene that shattered her world – her husband, Hamilton, was kissing her sister, Evie, in the bathroom.

Overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next, Diana sought the counsel of the only person she thought could help her navigate this emotional turmoil: her therapist, Dr. Carrey.

As Diana entered her home, the sound of giggles caught her attention. It was coming from the bathroom, and as she inched closer, the slightly open door offered her a glimpse of the betrayal – Hamilton and Evie, locked in a kiss.

A mix of shock and disbelief surged through Diana; her mind raced, and she found herself shivering from more than just the physical chill. “This can’t be happening!” she thought as she struggled to comprehend the scene before her.

Mustering all her courage, Diana called out, demanding an explanation. “Hamilton! I saw you two kissing! You and Evie, come out right now!” Her voice quivered with a mix of hurt and frustration.

But instead of a response, she was met with silence. Determined to confront them, she burst into the bathroom, only to find Hamilton, and nobody else.

“Where is she? Where is Evie?!” she demanded, her voice echoing off the tiled walls. Hamilton’s denial only deepened her confusion. “She’s not here, Diana,” he insisted, “Every time you come back from your therapist, this happens. You have to trust me! I was planning a surprise for you.”

Diana’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Hamilton’s words seemed sincere, yet the reflection she’d seen was etched in her memory. Despite searching every corner of the house, there was no trace of Evie.

Her voice broke as she apologized, “I don’t know what’s happening to me. I was so sure I saw Evie here!”

Hamilton tried to comfort her. “Let’s move past this, okay? We need to talk about what’s really bothering you.” Diana’s internal struggle surfaced as she admitted, “I feel like I’m losing my mind, and maybe losing you, Hamilton. Maybe even to my sister.”

As she poured out her fears, Hamilton reassuringly told her he’d never betray her. Yet, Diana’s thoughts kept drifting, interrupted by an imaginary baby’s cry that pierced her mind. “I hear her crying,” she murmured, visibly distressed.

“Diana,” Hamilton’s voice was gentle, “Why don’t you relax in a bath? Forget about tonight. I’ll set it up for you, okay?” Though hesitant, she agreed, trying to let his words calm her racing mind.

However, as the hot steam fogged up the bathroom mirror, Diana spotted something that chilled her to her core – “Kiss me!” written in what appeared to be Evie’s handwriting. This eerie sight only deepened her suspicions.

The next day, Diana sat across from Dr. Carrey, her thoughts in turmoil. “I think Hamilton might be cheating on me with Evie. The signs…her handwriting, her perfume lingering – I sense it.” Dr. Carrey listened intently, taking notes.

“Would you like to explore anything else today?” he asked gently.

Diana hesitated before divulging a haunting memory. “There’s this sound I keep hearing…like a child crying in the rain. It’s unsettling, Doctor.”

“Are you keeping up with your medication?” he inquired. Diana affirmed, “Every day. I’ve also planned dinner with Evie to watch how things unfold myself.” Despite her therapist’s visible concern at this plan, she persisted. “I texted her an invite this morning, and she replied she’d come.”

“Let me see these messages,” Dr. Carrey requested, examining them closely. “What do you hope to discover at this dinner?” he asked.

Diana’s eyes betrayed her longing for clarity. “I need to know if I’m losing my grip on reality.”

“These texts,” Dr. Carrey remarked after reading them, “you sent them to your sister?”

She nodded, feeling strangely exposed, “Hamilton and I had twelve perfect years together until Evie came. Had I known…I would’ve taken him away, far from her.” He encouraged her, “It’s good to face these doubts. We’re in this together.”

Deep down, Diana knew she needed answers about the haunting cries she’d been hearing. “How often do they occur?” asked Dr. Carrey heavily.

“Much too often,” she replied, “whether alone or with Hamilton.” Seeing her distress, Dr. Carrey leaned in. “We will address these feelings together, okay? Don’t isolate yourself.” Diana nodded, finding comfort in his words as she left the session.

Despite her resolve, dinner with Hamilton and Evie was tense. As they talked animatedly about her sister’s job, Diana felt another pang of suspicion. Their banter seemed almost conspiratorial, deepening her unease. As Diana’s confusion and distrust reached a crescendo, she brought out a bottle of fine wine.

“To family ties,” she proposed boldly, raising her glass with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. Hamilton and Evie exchanged worried looks but followed suit.

As they sipped, Diana made a shocking revelation, “This concoction is deceit wrapped in family love. Maybe with a taste of retribution.” Their faces paled as the atmosphere shifted. “What did you do?” Evie stammered, eyes wide with fear.

“It’s a special blend, Merlot with a hint of retribution,” Diana replied calmly. “Cyanide, if you must know!”

Terror gripped them as the room descended into chaos. Hamilton and Evie staggered, choking violently, rushing towards the bathroom.

As Diana’s judgment cleared, guilt sank in. “What have I done? Can I undo this? Did I harm them?” Swiftly, she dialed 911 and then Dr. Carrey, confessing her recklessness.

When he arrived, she was on the floor, devastated. “Doctor,” she gasped, “I thought my husband and sister were betraying me, so I…”

Dr. Carrey provided comfort, revealing that Diana lived alone. “You’ve created scenarios that didn’t happen, Diana. Remember the accident two years ago? Your mind has been deceiving you.”

Diana refused to believe him. “I was with them! We had dinner!” she protested. Dr. Carrey clarified, gently reminding her of her tragic past – a crash that took her husband and sister, leaving her burdened with survivor’s guilt over the unborn child she lost that fateful night.

In that poignant moment, the veil lifted off Diana’s eyes. She understood that her mind had been crafting illusions, masking the sorrow of her loss. Her cries for Hamilton and Evie were her grief’s distorted echo.

Dr. Carrey uncovered her phone logs, indicating the imagined emergency call to 911. Deeply overwhelmed, Diana wept for Hamilton, Evie, and her child. Dr. Carrey held her, offering solace for her aching soul.

“It’s time to wake up to reality,” he urged. “Hamilton and Evie’s deaths were a tragedy, but they were not your fault.” Slowly, clarity emerged, as Diana resolved to forgive herself.

A year later, Diana returned to Dr. Carrey’s office, transformed and visibly unburdened. “Welcome back, Diana,” he greeted, “How have you been since we last met?”

Diana’s smile reflected newfound acceptance. “I’m healing, Doctor. I’ve learned to cherish memories without drowning in guilt anymore.”

“What about Hamilton?” he probed. “Three years have passed since his passing,” she replied, “And I’m moving forward, honoring their memories. I’ve found peace.”

Dr. Carrey acknowledged her progress with pride. Just as their session ended, a nurse announced the close of her appointment.

As Diana departed, a stranger with a baby caught her eye. “Hello,” she beamed, eager, “May I hold the baby?”

From inside his office, Dr. Carrey observed in disbelief as Diana embraced an imaginary infant, evidence of deep-seated trauma persisting.

His resolve renewed as he whispered, “We have a long way to go, Diana. A long way.”