The Therapist

By: Charles Laramie

Published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC, 2014-05

'I was wondering if Jed told you about our conversation and what you must think of me, ' Ryan said. Hillary looked at Ryan as if she were trying to understand something. The first stars moved in and out of the clouds and a slight breeze blew wisps of blond hair across her cheek. 'I think you don't understand why society gives these predators so many chances. I believe you feel society is protecting the wrong people like they did at Penn State. Why isn't society protecting the victim's rights Ryan, the right to be left alone, not to be preyed upon?' Ryan spoke softly. 'The answer to your question is this. The truth embarrasses society. The vast majority of people would rather not believe this is an epidemic; that it permeates our society and our silence ensures its continuation. It's ugly, sick, and maybe people are afraid if they confront it, they confront a small part of themselves and that scares the shit out of them.'