Gone Forever
Chapter 9
A top–notch psychologist from overseas just got here, and he’s really interested in your case. He’s got a ton of successful cases under his belt. I think you should give it a shot.”
The doctor’s voice was brimming with excitement and encouragement.
“Hello? Ms. Forbes, you there?”
The doctor immediately regretted his words. “Look at me, getting all worked up and forgetting your situation. Just text me if you need anything.”
It was a piece of long–overdue good news, and Elsie lost in thought for a moment.
She slowly put down her phone, her gaze lingering on the pitch–black night sky outside the window.
To cure my mutism. This wasn’t the first time she had heard such a suggestion, but this time, her mindset was completely
different.
Elsie had always been a quiet child.
When she was four, her parents died in a sudden accident.
Since then, she had been unable to speak, as if an invisible shackle had sealed her voice.
Despite mastering sign language and using the piano to articulate her emotions, the inability to communicate verbally with the world had always cast a psychological shadow over her life.
Her mutism made her life difficult and became the sharpest weapon for others to attack her, especially Ronald.
Whenever they had a conflict, she would use sign language, and he would mock her with a cold tone.
“Elsie, put your hands down. I don’t want to see them. If you can’t speak, then don’t.”
He always avoided her when he was annoyed. If it weren’t for Raina’s insistence, he wouldn’t have bothered to learn sign language.
He openly showed his disdain for her, often saying, “Keep your sign language to yourself outside. Just stay silent and don’t make a fool of yourself.”
Those words were cold and heartless, pushing her to seek treatment nationwide.
But her silence and compromise never earned Ronald’s warmth.
Every time he mocked her, it was a reminder that their marriage was a mistake.
Elsie slowly turned and looked at the piano in the corner of the room.
It was a gift from Cedric.
Cedric was the kindest person she had ever met.
He never minded her mutism, patiently watching her sign or write down what she wanted to say.
He always encouraged her, “Elsie, you will speak one day. I believe in you.”
1/4
Chapter 9
Later, he taught her to express her emotions through music and to face life’s challenges with optimism.
Cedric’s greatest wish was to hear her call his name.
But until the day he passed away, she never fulfilled that wish.
That regret pierced her heart like a thorn, becoming an indelible pair that led her to abandon all hope of ever speaking again. This time, I won’t back down.”
Elsie gently touched the necklace around her neck and pondered, For myself and for you, I can’t give up.”
The next day.
Elsie arrived at the clinic as scheduled.
The morning sunlight streamed through the glass windows, casting a warm glow on the floor, and the air was filled with a faint minty scent.
The receptionist led her to the door of the consultation room and gently knocked.
“Dr. Valois, Ms. Forbes is here.”
“Please come in.” A warm male voice came from inside, with a calm and soothing rhythm that put people at ease.
Elsie pushed the door open and looked up to see a tall man standing by the window, holding a file and reading it.
He turned around, his features clear and refined, with a pair of gold–rimmed glasses giving him an elegant and scholarly look.
“Ms. Forbes, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He nodded slightly, his voice gentle yet firm.
Elsie was a somewhat famous pianist, so it wasn’t surprising that he had heard of her.
“I’m Bruce Valois.” He adjusted his glasses with a slight smile. “I’ll be handling your treatment today.”
“Bruce’s gaze through his glasses was warm and reassuring, without any hint of judgment or scrutiny.
Elsie was momentarily stunned and then nodded slightly.
Although Bruce bore no physical resemblance to Cedric, his demeanor exuded a similar gentleness reminiscent of Cedric.
Coincidentally, he also had the last name Valois.
This subtle connection made Elsie feel a bit more at ease.
“Please, have a seat. Let’s talk.” Bruce gestured to the sofa opposite him.
Elsie sat down, her eyes scanning the items on the table.
The consultation room was simply furnished, with basic office supplies and a bookshelf against the wall filled with books on psychology and art.
“So, what made you decide to come see me? Bruce put down the file and took a sip from his water cup,
Elsie lowered her eyes, pressing her lips together, and after a moment, she signed. “My previous doctor said you were very interested in my case.”
2/4
Chapter 9
“Yes.” Bruce nodded. ‘I’ve been following it for a long time. I’ve also watched your performances. They were perfect.
His gaze lingered on her fingers for a moment, seemingly moved. Even without the ability to speak, your steadfast expression of yourself through music deeply moves me.”
Elsie’s fingers curled slightly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes
If you’re willing. I’d like to learn more about your experiences. Bruce’s voice was very gentle.
Elsie hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
“I experienced a major upheaval when I was a child. Her sign language was light, as if recalling a distant past.
“When I was four, my parents died in a car accident.”
“Did you witness it?” Bruce asked.
Elsie’s hands clenched slightly, and she shook her head.
“I just remember being very scared, but later, that memory became blurry.”
She lowered her eyes, looking tired. “I can barely remember anything from when I was four.”
Bruce watched her intently, not interrupting.
“Meeting Cedric was when my life started to become clear.” Her expression softened, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes.
“He was a very gentle person, always smiling and encouraging me, teaching me how to face life.”
Bruce nodded occasionally, his expression sincere and focused. “You mentioned earlier that your memories from when you were four are blurry because of psychological trauma.”
“When people experience a major shock, the brain protects itself by selectively forgetting that memory. For example, patients waking up from a car accident often don’t remember how it happened, and people who accidentally kill someone may forget their .intentions at the time.”
He adjusted his glasses and continued, “While this reduces psychological harm, it can create obstacles, like your mutism. It’s a common form of stress trauma, where losing important memories makes it hard to find the cause.”
Elsie was slightly taken aback.
She had never considered that her mutism was not just a physical issue but was closely tied to those blurry memories.
“Do you think my mutism can be cured? Her eyes showed a hint of hesitation and hope.
“I cannot guarantee it, but I still believe that with some attempts, a complete recovery is indeed possible,” Bruce said with a slight smile, his eyes filled with determination.
“Ms. Forbes, might I trouble you to accompany me to a certain place? Bruce suddenly asked.
