Author's note: Each story in this series is complete and separate, with no plot or characters in common with the others. Only one thin thread connects them.
Many thanks to
HMAuthor
for first editing and improving this story.
Immense gratitude to BeautifulStorm, the hardest working editor on this site, who not only applies incredible editing expertise but also tremendous effort in following through to make sure the story turns out much better than I ever thought it could be.
"I have some good news for you," Dr. Madison said after they sat down. "Rich is as healthy as a horse."
"We knew that," Angela retorted.
Dr. Madison ignored her.
"I can't help you if the problem is physical, so I never begin therapy before making sure. That's why I don't bill for the first consultation. You only paid for the lab work.
"I've blocked out this hour for the first therapy session, so let's not waste time. Both of you did a good job on your histories and questionnaires, and we can move ahead quickly.
"First, though, I need to repeat what I told you last time. To treat this condition, I need the cooperation of both partners. I know Angela is on board because she made the first appointment. You didn't say much last time, Rich."
"I have no choice," he said.
"Yes you do!" Angela interjected loudly.
"You told me last time that Angela has threatened divorce," Dr. Madison said. "That could be useful in a different kind of therapy, but it's destructive to what we're trying to accomplish here. Can you put it out of your mind, Angela. Or at least not verbalize it again?"
"I suppose I can."
"I'll accept that. So I'll ask you again, Rich, are you are a willing participant in my therapy? Your answer is being recorded on video at the insistence of my lawyers."
Rich looked at Angela, who was glaring at him.
"Yes," he said.
"That didn't sound very positive. Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
Dr. Madison paused and regarded him.
"All right," she said. "I can't expect enthusiasm, so I'm giving you some slack. It's more important that you be honest with me, even if you're reluctant.
"Today, I'm going to ask both of you more questions to confirm what I know from your histories and questionnaires and to explore new areas.
"After we're finished, we won't schedule another appointment. There will be a break, during which I'll make preparations for our intensive therapy sessions. I and my staff do most of the work, but Angela will need to be slightly involved. Nothing will be required of you, Rich.
"Angela's biggest responsibility will be making sure of dates and times that are convenient for both of you. I'll direct her to do some other things before we start, but I won't tell her what will happen at the sessions. I've found they are more effective if neither of you knows.
"Some of the following may seem repetitive, but it's absolutely necessary. I'm looking for strong answers for the video being recorded, so listen closely."
Dr. Madison began reading from a paper in front of her.
"The therapy sessions may involve things that are distasteful and even painful for one or both of you. By distasteful, I mean things that you may find disgusting, degrading and humiliating. By painful, I don't mean anything that will scar you or break bones. Usually, there's no need for medical treatment, although I can't guarantee that. Any healing won't take more than two months. Do you have any questions before I ask you whether you both agree?"
"Can you give me some examples of what you're talking about?"
Rich's trembling voice was barely above a whisper.
"I can't give you any details in advance, but I can tell you this. I'm sure that somewhere in this process, you will be sorry that you agreed to it, because it will get that bad. Almost every man we've treated goes through that stage. On the other hand, I can promise you that our record of success is nearly perfect.
"If that's not enough to convince you, it might be better to think this over for a while. You will only pay for today's session, and the treatment will be put on hold until you feel you are ready to move ahead. That could take some time, because I have a waiting list, and you would go to the end of it. But waiting is preferable to starting without a full commitment."
"How would it be any different if we waited?" Angela asked in a tone of irritation.
"For one thing, I will give you the names of five couples who went through the therapy and are willing to talk about their results. Four of them are successes, and one of them is one of our few failures.
"The husband of the failed couple found a way to abort the treatment halfway through. From that disaster, we learned to implement new safeguards, and we haven't had any problems since.
"This man will be eager to tell you how horrible our therapy is, but he won't give you details of the treatment because he signed the same confidentiality agreement you will, so he'd have to pay us an enormous amount of money if he violated it. But at least you'll hear a different opinion."
"If we did that, how soon would it be before we could get back with you?" Angela asked.
"Probably four or five months."
"That's too long," Angela said. "I won't wait that long. Do you understand, Rich?"
"Yes," he said. "I just hope you appreciate what I'm doing for you."
"For us!" she replied sharply.
Dr. Madison sounded impatient as she stopped their conversation.