Episode 16

The following day, Liz rises and goes through her morning routine, then gets dressed and heads downstairs for breakfast. At the table sits Enzo with Cecilia, awaiting Liz to begin their meal.

Liz: Good morning.

Cecilia: Good morning, dear.

As usual, Enzo doesn’t respond. Liz eats a piece of bread with her coffee and stands to leave.

Cecilia: Leaving so soon? Have a little more to eat.

Liz: I’m not very hungry, Ceci, I need to leave now. Have a good day, both of you.

Liz departs, and Enzo is left somewhat upset, knowing where she’s headed, which tempers his fury. Liz takes the bus to the hospital, identifies herself upon arrival, and is promptly directed to a room. She’s nervous as she has never seen a psychologist before.

Psychologist: Good morning, please make yourself comfortable.

Liz: Good morning, thank you, doctor.

Psychologist: Call me Andre.

Liz: Alright.

Andre: What brings you here, Miss? You seem a bit nervous – here, have some water.

Liz: Thank you.

Liz drinks the water but remains anxious, yearning to escape.

Liz: I’m sorry, I think I need to leave.

Andre: Stay calm, Liz. If you came here, it's because you need assistance.

Liz: I can't do this.

Andre: Look at me as if I were your diary. You want to confide in this diary, and everything you say will stay within these pages.

Taking a deep breath and gazing down at her hands, Liz starts to speak...

Liz: Dear diary, my life is in complete turmoil; nothing's the same, and I don't know how to live with this. My previously happy life has turned to chaos...

A tear falls as she pauses.

Andre: Take all the time you need, Liz. Speak calmly.

Liz: I was forced by my father to marry. I knew it would be hellish, but I couldn’t have imagined actually living it. I've been trampled on, humiliated, cursed, hurt, beaten... I always try to see the good in people and things, but I can't find anything good in this marriage or him. I will never be happy, and I'm beginning to accept that fate. This man is despicable, arrogant, and I could never feel anything for him but pain, bitterness, and disgust. Out of weakness, I once tried to end it all, but awaking in the hospital changed nothing. I don't know if that was God's way of saying things will be okay or if happiness awaits me one day, but I don't know how to live a life where joy is nonexistent. I try to be polite and at least engage in conversation, but even in silence, he's arrogant. To him, I betray him every day by going to work and amount to nothing special.

Andre: He knows about your job, Liz?

Liz: No. He's a rich, powerful man living in luxury, always seeking superiority. He would never allow me to work, especially in my position.

Andre: How does he handle the marriage?

Liz: I don't know. We've been married for months, and the only words exchanged have been ‘Good morning’ and ‘Good night.’

Andre: Why did your father force you to marry?

Liz: His company was failing, and he struck a deal with this man to help him recover.

Andre: What's your relationship with your parents like?

Liz: I love them; they've always shown me love. Right now, though, I'm hurt by my father, and we haven't spoken. But I keep in touch with my mother, see her often. She wasn't a part of that agreement but couldn’t persuade my father otherwise.

Andre: Have you ever thought about divorce?

Liz: And you really think he would agree?

Andre: When he hit you, why didn't you think to report it?

Liz: It would've been pointless. He has wealth, doctor. The law can’t touch him; he could bribe them all if he wanted.

Andre: Open your mind, Liz. Don't let your psyche be shaken. Focus not on the marriage, but on finding happiness. If he's not part of your life, live it as a gift. Never attempt suicide—don't end your life over any man. Though it's hard, I offer you this advice: prove him wrong when he doubts your character. Show him who you truly are. Don't harbor hatred; let him get to know the real you, and when he shows a sign, allow yourself to know him. A man like this must have endured something; no one lives in bitterness without cause. It's not you who needs help, but him. Did you ever consider that fate might have placed you both on the same path so that you could be his aid? Bring peace back into his life. Sometimes life's purposes are unclear, but everything has a reason, and a reason involves someone. We may have to pass through thorns to blossom. God wouldn't give you a battle you couldn't win. Don't hold a grudge against your father; mend your relationship. We often harbor anger and miss the passing of time, and when we eventually need our foundations, they're gone. I'll schedule our next session; your coming here was very significant. Reflect on what I've spoken.