He Clings to Me Every Night

Martin Wallace feigned profundity and said, “Adam, still claiming to be a pro at love? Look at Daniel Marshal and Jordan Bennett, they kill people with their displays of affection!”

Adam Howard rolled his eyes at Martin Wallace, “If you have nothing to say, don’t say it. Drink up.”

Martin Wallace smirked, “Today is the wedding anniversary of the Marshall’s. They must have secretly celebrated.”

Adam Howard picked up his beer, “Let’s toast to them. It’s been a year already, time flies!”

Oliver Johnson was silent, raised his glass, and took a drink.

After downing his beer, Adam Howard patted Johnson on the shoulder, “Move forward. If it’s meant to be, it will happen naturally.”

Martin Wallace said, “Adam will accompany you. After all, he’s heartbroken now too.”

Adam Howard protested, “You’re the one who’s heartbroken, not me!”

Martin Wallace: “Enough talking, let’s drink. Cherish the time at the bar with me. I might not be able to join you guys next year.”

Adam Howard cocked an eyebrow, “What do you mean? Are you getting married?”

Martin Wallace nodded, “Maybe by the end of this year or the beginning of next year. Both parents are urging us, I gotta make it official someday!”

Adam Howard sneered, “Acting like a bachelor when you’re out with me, I feel like smacking you!”

“Plans never catch up with changes. So when the right person comes along, seize the moment. Don’t wait. What you get from waiting is already not yours. This is my motto, a gift to you.”

Adam Howard glanced at Martin Wallace disdainfully, “I won’t invite you to hang out in the future. I don’t want to get in the way of you being a good man.”

“I’m just thinking about getting married. Don’t behave as if you’re heartbroken; otherwise, I might think you can’t be without me.”

“Narcissist!” Adam spat out, continuing to drink.

Oliver Johnson also ignored Martin Wallace.

Soon, Oliver Johnson and Adam Howard clinked glasses.

Martin Wallace chuckled and joked: “Adam, Valerie Howard is actually quite good. Young and beautiful, her looks are right up your alley, you should consider her.”

Adam Howard glared at Martin Wallace, “Don’t joke around lightly. Don’t get me in trouble. Me pursuing Simon Howard’s sister? Have I lost my fucking mind or what? That’s a joke for my ears only, don’t let it reach Simon’s, I still need my life.”

Oliver Johnson suddenly said seriously, “Valerie Howard could be a good choice. Her figure is up to par. She is quite similar to your ex-girlfriend.”

“You should pursue her. I think Simon would be pleased to have you as his brother-in-law.” Adam Howard slapped Oliver Johnson on the shoulder as he drank his beer.

“She’s not my type, she suits you more.”

“Enough with the nonsense, let’s toast!” Adam Howard picked up his beer to drink, truly wanting to shut his two annoying friends up.

Martin Wallace and Oliver Johnson exchanged glances, both of them smirking.

…

The next afternoon, Olivia Jenkins and Daniel Marshall visited Professor Winnie’s private studio.

After reading the self-assessment form filled out by Daniel, Professor Winnie nodded in satisfaction, “Four months of psychotherapy, your condition has improved immensely, you have already recovered at this stage.”

“Thank you, Professor!” Daniel Marshall, hand-in-hand with Olivia, looked at her affectionately.

Throughout the nearly four months, Olivia had witnessed Daniel experiencing many sessions of sensory stimulation by visual, tactile, and auditory means. These sessions recreated the traumatic situation, stirring negative feelings and physical discomfort, and yet, with repetition, the conversation and emotional sharing turned from initial helplessness to the alleviation and disappearance of these discomforts.

Finally hearing the good news, Olivia Jenkins was also very happy and quite excited.