Chapter 3

Katie again sat in the waiting area outside Dr. Carolyn Hayes’ office. The full-length mirror she had bought and installed in her bedroom still fresh in her mind. The purchase had felt both practical and intimidating — wheeling the tall mirror through the store, struggling to fit it in her car, then rearranging furniture at home until it stood in the right spot in her bedroom. Every step had made the upcoming session feel more real.

The door opened and Dr. Carolyn Hayes stepped out. She wore a simple blouse and slacks. Her voice had a mild, pleasant Midwestern accent.

“Come on in, Katie.”

Before they entered the office, Carolyn turned briefly to her receptionist at the front desk. “Full privacy for this session, please. No interruptions at all.”

The receptionist nodded. Carolyn closed the door behind them, and the office felt familiar from the last visit — the large mirror on one wall, the soft rug, the low couch. Carolyn gestured for Katie to sit for a moment.

“Before we begin the Mirror Window today, I want to make sure you’re ready,” Carolyn said, her tone steady and direct. “This is not about performing or looking a certain way. It’s about being honest with your body in a way you may not have allowed yourself in a long time. I’ll be here with you the entire time. I’ll guide you, and I’ll touch you only with your permission and only to help you stay present. If anything feels too much, you tell me immediately. This is for you, not for me, not for Jeff, not for anyone else.”

Katie nodded, her heart pounding. “I’m nervous. But I want to try.”