A session on the psychiatrist's couch
The Vocal + Assist Unreliable Narrator Literary Challenge
This story is part of the Vocal + Assist on Facebook Unreliable Narrator Challenge. You can learn more about it here:
Hi Doc. Nice to meet you. I'm Lobo Weir. Thank you for squeezing me in so late. I would have preferred an earlier appointment but no matter. We've probably got enough time to complete the session before I have to leave.
I don't have much luck with psychiatrists. They seem to die on me! But don't let that unsettle you. Just a coincidence. Your line of work means that you're probably in contact with quite a few psychos. Sorry. That's not very politically correct. I've got the manners of a dog! I apologise for my roughness.
Not that I'm a psycho! No, not me. I'm just a regular guy. With irregularities. I would classify myself as many things but not a monster. I mean, I eat meat but there's nothing weird about that, is there? Lots of things on this planet that eat meat and are a bit different. Even plants, would you believe? Like that Venus Fly Trap. So, I don't think I'm that unusual. And the Japanese like meat raw, or fish at least. And the French have Steak Tartare which may as well be advertised as "straight off the cow".
Can I ask something before we go any further? What are your reaction times like? Your reflexes? Are you able to move quickly if you need to? You look a little heavy - do you work out at all? Do you run?
Let me just put my bag down. There. Right. Let me tell you why I'm here.
Well, I'm having difficulty feeling safe at the moment in this world we live in. I bet you've heard this before. I mean, I know that the world is a mixed-up place but none of it is inherently bad, is it? I mean I'm not inherently bad. I have moments but that's all they are: moments. Everyone has bad moments, don't they? I mean, mine are actually fairly regular but I'm in control the rest of the time, pretty much.
It's just that sometimes there's times where I don't feel safe out on the streets and I fear for my life. Take tonight, for instance. Beautiful moon rising. My favourite time of the month. Nice light night, yes? The streets should be a place where I can roam freely without fear of encounter or confrontation? I should be able to saunter at twilight, take a midnight stroll, a walk in the woods without any trepidation at all on a moonlit night. But no. That's when I'm at my most fearful. It's taken all of my courage to come here tonight. I'm not sure how I'm going to find my way home.
I'm scared. Very scared. I just want to be myself, Doc, that's all. I don't think that's too much to ask.
Doc, this may seem an unusual request but could you help me with my muzzle? It's in the bag. And close the blinds? If you don't mind? I wear the muzzle when I'm feeling my most, shall we say, anxious. I find it helps to keep my emotions under control. And if you could do it quickly. Like now, I'd appreciate it.
I can't help you with the straps. Long fingernails. You need to hurry, Doc. Treat it like it's a matter of life and death. Because I think you'll find, it is fast becoming that.
Hurry, Doc! You MUST hurry!
AND CLOSE THE BLINDS! CLOSE THEM NOW!
TOO LONG, DOC! YOU'VE TAKEN TOO LONG, DOC!
RUN!
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Comments (14)
Congratulations Rachel... You did such a great job with this and you perfectly captured the essence of the Unreliable Narrator.
Well done on first place Rachel. Congrats!! 🎉🎉🎉👏👏
Poor psychiatrists are not having a great time lately. Creepily done.
Be wary the wolf who comes in a client's clothing.
This was creepily well done! I would love to see someone act this out. The narrator seems almost normal, besides certain statements, until the plot twist at the end.
Perhaps our unreliable narrator has more than just the manners of a dog, eh? Well done!
Great use of the first person narration throughout Rachel. I also enjoyed your use of everyday dialogue like “fairly regular” and “pretty much” to throw us of the scent about the character’s lack of ordinariness. Nice twist!
It's all the doctor's fault! Didn't give an earlier appointment. Wasn't fast enough. Pffft. Loser. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I loved your story so much!
Not thinking lycanthropes, or other shapeshifters affected by lunar cycles, should take night appointments. Lol. Great story. It is funny and gripping.
Excellent job. It's very gripping. really enjoyed
Ouch. Should have given an earlier appointment!
This was quite gripping. I was on the edge of my seat to the end. The transition from a nervous sort to a creature, a monster, a shapeshifter. Excellent work.
That was awesome! Werewolf therapy. LOL! This was a great entry!!
Loved the characterisation and build up! I was literally falling off the edge of the sofa by the end! Brilliantly done and just enough left unsaid that I may sleep tonight! Fantastic as always 🤍