- Okido escorted Visha back to the waiting room alone. Dr. Sergei, having already left to get on with his day.
The Doctor noticed a peculiar thing happen as he was making basic conversation with the young woman in English. After they had made it to the waiting room, and noticing the absence of miss Kaizaki, Dr. Okido decided to wait. His next appointment was with the young woman anyway so he might as well notify her himself.
Mid conversation, Dr Okido noticed Visha slowly look up, her head turning towards one of the hallway doors. Their conversation continued with Visha getting visibly frustrated with her fumbling English. Her head, however, remained fixed on the doorway. Several seconds later, said doorway opened to reveal her friend Tanya making her way back to the waiting room.
In her hands was a half-eaten candy bar and a number of other snacks inside a small plastic bag he recognized from the hospital’s cafeteria.
His first thought was, how cute, followed by, how did Serebryakov know she was coming? Intuition?
Coming to a stop before them, she spoke in English.
“Pardon the intrusion, I’m Kaizaki Degurechaff Tanya, nice to meet you.”
“Dr. Okido, You as well young lady. I’m the therapist who has been helping Visha here and many of the others with processing all that has happened. I believe my next appointment is with you miss Kaizaki.”
“Yes, so I was informed, thank you for coming to notify me.”
“It was no trouble; I was able to escort young Visha here back to the waiting room. We wouldn’t want her to get lost, now, would we? Ha, Ha. By the way, might I just say your English is remarkable, you speak very well.”
“Thank you, I learned it from my mother growing up. A moment if you please.”
Handing the bag of food to Visha the girl spoke a rapid sentence in German before turning back to him.
“Lead the way.”
She said bowing politely.
Dr. Okido nodded and waved goodbye to Visha before he turned and guided miss Kaizaki towards his office.
“You and miss Serebryakov seem pretty close. Have you known each other long?”
“Just a few months but it feels like it’s been years sometimes.”
Tanya smiled fondly as she walked and reminisced.
“The uniform your wearing, is there any particular reason you chose to wear it today, or did the other clothes just not fit you? I can contact your case worker if you need anything.”
The Dr. asked carefully, his voice soft and light.
“It’s nothing to worry about, the other clothes are fine. I just find myself feeling more comfortable in these, plus the other clothes felt a bit too informal for this occasion to me.”
The two continued with small talk as they made their way to his office, but Dr. Okido found himself pondering the girls’ state of dress some more.
Why did she feel more comfortable wearing this uniform than normal clothes. He thought it would be the opposite. After all, was it not a constant reminder of what they had been forced to do? Maybe this outfit held special value in that it was more modest and less risqué than other ones they had been forced to wear. What was it about this outfit that gave her confidence and comfort?
He speculated that maybe it was the fact that it was a military officer’s uniform. Perhaps her and her friend had truly slipped into the role they had meant to be playing. Pretending to herself that she had more control over her life when she was wearing it. That she was the one giving the orders and not the other way around, or perhaps not. Either way it was something to keep an eye on over their next few sessions. Should she keep insisting on wearing it, it would signify deeper issues were at play.
Finaly arriving at his office and sitting down, Dr. Okido invited his patient to make herself comfortable after pouring a glass of water for her. Before taking his own seat.
“So, Tanya Degurechaff, you got that name from your mother’s side am I correct. Do you prefer it, or to go by Kaizaki?”
“Yes, it was the name she gave me. I didn’t even know my father’s name until much later in life and am still getting used to it. Though I suppose it’s best I do, since I would like to fit in better.”
“You grew up around here, in Tokyo I mean?”
“Yes, the Shinjuku ward. I wouldn’t recommend it.”
Patient doesn’t wish to talk about childhood. Dr. Okido noted in shorthand.
“What about you Doctor? Your accent isn’t from around here; where do you call home?”
“Ah, these days Tokyo is home, but you’re right I’m originally from further up north near Akita. After high school I moved away to college and studied psychology at Tohoku University. Eventually earning a professorship.”
“For a number of years, I was a Professor for the Masara Town local University. Believe it or not, I had my own lab there, studying sociality and behavioral patterns between humans and animals. It was a nice job, but I later moved here after I got married. Now I get the opportunity to help people directly and I find fulfillment in that.”
“It’s easy to find fulfilment in a job well done. At least I’ve always thought so.”
Tanya agreed, settling back into her chair.
Dr. Okido got the impression that miss Kaizaki was going to be a lot more closed off then her friend Visha. Deciding to move more slowly and get her to open up at her own pace, Dr Okido reached into his desk for one of his favorite phycological ice breakers.
Pulling out a stack of eight colored cards, he addressed the young girl.
“Have you every heard of the Luscher color test?”
“No, I can’t say that I have.”
“It’s nothing too serious most patients find it more entertaining than difficult. I like to use it as a simple ice breaker as I try to get to know my patients better. Here take these cards and place them in front of you. There are eight different colors, you have four primaries red, yellow, blue, green, and four secondaries, grey, purple, brown, and black.
“I would like you to simply pick which color you like the best at the moment and hand it to me. Good, now pick the next one you like the most right now, thank you.”
The process was repeated until all the cards were gone. Okido noted down the order (Red, green, blue, gray, brown, yellow, purple, black) and put the cards to the side.
“How did you feel picking the colors?”
Tanya had to stop herself from shrugging in response, deciding to reply in a neutral tone instead.
“Fine I guess, I’m not familiar with this test, so I do not know the purpose of it. I basically chose them at random.”
“That’s fine, here, take them again and repeat the test. Remember you just pick the colors in the order that you most like at the moment, it doesn’t have to be the same.”
Tanya repeated the test, and Dr. Okido was unsurprised that her order didn’t change at all.
“This test is supposed reveal unconscious personality traits, emotional states, and personal motivations. While I find it to be rather subjective and vague it acts as a simple test for me to break the ice so to speak, and prompt introspection and discussion.”
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Leaning back in his chair the Doctor continued.
“Miss Kaizaki, psychology as a field is a lot more fluid than hard fact most of the time. Rarely does a person have just one problem, or better yet just one type of personality. We as humans adapt to our environment. Our personality and methods of communicating and operating can adapt with it.”
“That sounds reasonable. As far as adapting to one’s environment, I am familiar with the Stanford Prison Experiment.”
Tanya stated calmly with a smile on her face.
“Ah yes, an interesting study into human behavior that one. Quite a bit different and a much darker look in human sociology. This test shouldn’t be nearly as in depth as that.”
Dr. Okido paused for a moment and wondered why it was that the first thing that came to her mind when thinking of psychology and adapting to one’s environment was that infamous study. He decided to unpack that train of thought later as he made a note and chose to simply answer miss Kaizaki’s question.
“So, what does this test say about me?”
Tanya queried. Taking advantage of the pause to move the conversation along.
“Oh, that’s the problem you see, people are so very different, so the color test ends up sounding too much like those horoscopes, seeming to apply to everyone. For example, red which you chose first represents: Force of will, action, desire, aggression, vitality, and excitability. The order you choose the colors is supposed to reveal what’s going on in your subconscious mind.
“Why don’t I interpret your test results, and we can see if it sparks any discussion between us?”
This time Tanya was unable to stop herself from shrugging with her response.
“Be my guest.”
Leaning forward Dr. Okido spoke with more animation in his voice.
“Well let’s see here, according to the order combination you chose it should go like this. Now let me just split up the interpretations by topic.
“Now as much as I would like to discuss all the intricacies of these conclusions with you, we just don’t have the time. How about this, why don’t you take this notepad and write down your thoughts about each of the test’s assertions.
“Make sure you include how each section makes you feel as well as what you think. I’ll give you time between each one to write so don’t feel hurried.”
Dr. Okido handed Tanya a medium-sized notepad and a pen. Stating, “It’s better to use a pen and cross out mistakes, sometimes looking back at what we crossed out is more helpful then simply being able to erase what we don’t want written.”
Tanya took the pen and secretly rolled her eyes as she looked down at the materials, opening up to the first page and preparing herself for note taking.
“First, I’ll list out your desired objectives and the behaviors dictated by those objectives as theorized by the test.
“Subject has exaggerated demands on life which are concealed behind specious rationalization and cautious behavior. Wishes to impress others with her achievements, but camouflages this desire and is inclined to be covert.”
Dr. Okido paused his interpretation to allow the young girl to reflect on the test’s assertion of her objectives. He noticed the momentary flash of surprise on her face, but it was quickly wiped away with a smirk that looked a lot cuter than he imagined the girl meant it too.
Noticing she finished writing was looking up, he moved on with the test results.
“Seeks success. Wants to overcome obstacles and opposition and to make her own decisions. Pursues her objectives single-mindedly and with initiative.
“Pursues her objectives with intensity and does not allow herself to be deflected from her purpose. Wants to overcome the obstacles with which she is faced and to achieve special recognition and standing from her success.”
Again, he paused to allow the girl time to write her thoughts.
Sitting in her chair focused and writing, Dr. Okido was able to witness the fierce aura she had been projecting this entire time slowly fade. She now looked more like a normal girl. Well one dressed up in cosplay.
He was suddenly struck by just how much she reminded him of his own daughter. When his own daughter was about this age, maybe just a little older, she had gone through quite a rebellious phase. Often dressing outlandishly or acting out. Her own cosplay outfits had often been unfortunately much more risqué than this young soldier costume.
He supposed it was in part because of having a therapist as a father. His daughter had always complained that he was trying to treat her instead of raise her.
Shaking his head to clear the irrelevant thoughts, he refocused on his patient.
“Ready for the next part? Are there any questions you have or anything you wish to share at this time?”
Tanya shook her head at the offer to open up and indicated that she was ready to move on.
“OK, part two.”
“The existing situation, or behavior appropriate to the existing situation.
“Subject is relatively inactive and in a static condition, while conflict of one sort or another prevents peace of mind. Unable to achieve relationships of the desired degree of mutual affection and understanding.”
“We’ll pause here for you to write.”
Dr. Okido said, shifting in his seat as he wrote a few notes of his own. Before continuing when they were both ready.
“Part three”
“Characteristics under restraint, or behavior inappropriate to the existing situation.
“Subject Insists that her hopes and ideas are realistic, but needs reassurance and encouragement.
“Egocentric and therefore quick to take offense. Able to obtain physical satisfaction from sexual activity but tends to hold aloof emotionally.”
“I’ll give you some time to write.”
“No need, I have nothing to write on this subject.”
Said Tanya her voice perfectly flat and face an emotionless mask.
“Very well, moving on.”
“Part four.”
“Rejected or suppressed characteristics, or anxiety-laden characteristics.
“Stress resulting from disappointment and watchful self-protection against further setback.
“Psychological interpretation: Unfulfilled hopes have led to uncertainty and a tense watchfulness. Insists on freedom of action and resents any form of control other than that which is self-imposed. Unwilling to go without or to relinquish anything and demands security as a protection against any further setback or loss of position and prestige. Doubts that things will be any better in the future and this negative attitude leads her to exaggerate her claims and to refuse reasonable compromises.
“In brief: Watchful and retentive.
“The actual problem, or behavior resulting from stress.
“Strongly resists outside influence and any interference with her freedom to make her own decisions and plans. Works to establish and strengthen her own position.
“Fights against restriction or limitation, and insists on developing freely as a result of her own efforts.”
“That was a bit of a long one, let me know if you need anything repeated while you write.”
Dr. Okido was thoroughly enjoying just how quickly this little girl could write. Noticing throughout the exercise, how much her attitude and demeanor had shifted back and forth.
He didn’t actually believe the test got people spot on but it did make them think about themselves and that self-reflection often portrayed a lot more information than any real test ever showed.
Tanya finished writing and looked up from her notebook, moving to hand it over.
“No, no miss Kaizaki, that’s for you to review on your own, feel free to share it with anyone close to you if you wish. Here, this is a copy of your test’s interpretations as well. I want you to reflect on this some more on your own time later. Think of it as homework before our next appointment.”
“Are we done then? This feels a bit shorter than I expected.”
“Not quite yet miss Kaizaki, there are a few more things I would like to go over with you. Sorry to change the subject but, do you feel comfortable discussing the events of your rescue with me?”
“Yes, I already disclosed everything I know to the police, but if you have your own questions then feel free, I don’t mind.”
Said Tanya calmly the picture of patience and maturity.
Dr. Okido recalled the notes from the police report and interview, questioning the girls’ mental state. As well as the lead detective’s notes stating she exhibited signs of psychopathic behavior. Said notes called for follow up diagnosis by a medical professional.
Dr. Okido himself saw a few worrying signs but nothing that seemed to extreme to him. He wondered if the emotionless way she was said to have described events was in fact due to having grown up in the kind of environment that made her numb to it, or if it was an innate psychopathic trait after all. He decided to find out for himself.
“When did you and your friend Visha notice something was wrong?”
In a flat tone as if she was giving out data from a spread sheet Tanya responded.
“Probably about the time when we heard the shouts and screaming. I could tell someone had been stabbed; people have a very distinct scream when they’re being stabbed. After that well it sounded like things escalated…”
“And then me and Visha didn’t hear anything else, so we made our way to the kitchen after a few minutes and that’s when we saw all the bodies. I figured this was our chance, so I looked around for a phone and managed to grab one off the table. We made our way back to the others after that and called the police.”
She continued talking but Dr. Okido was only half listening. The bodies hadn’t bothered her, he could tell. Other details stood out. She wasn’t surprised by the sounds of the fight, or the levels of violence men could bring against one another.
The Doctor concluded that she was numb to it. Likely having seen gang fights more times in her life than a young child ever should. But the question remained, was it only that she was numb to it, or did she lack emotion and empathy completely?
Was he truly dealing with a Psychopath?
He needed answers, and he needed more time. But at least he knew where to start.
“How is Visha handling all this?”
Tanya paused, and a thought for a few moments before a strange look came over her face only to be banished behind the mask. Ah there it is, thought the Doctor.
“Visha is having trouble adapting to this new environment. She is no stranger to violence, but Japan might as well be a different world to her. But, but I think she’s a lot happier than she’s been in a long time.”
Dr. Okido felt a weight lift ever so slightly from his heart at seeing the genuine smile on the young girl’s face when talking about her friend finally being happy.
“Miss Kaizaki, I’m going to schedule another appointment with you for tomorrow, would you be willing to do a joint session with your friend Visha? I was hoping to speak to you together as well as use your services as an interpreter.”
“That sounds like it would be no problem at all on my end. I’ll have to run it by Visha, but I believe that it will prove to be much more efficient to do the sessions this way. Good idea Doctor.”
“Well then, I believe that concludes our time for this session, I’ll check with your case worker to schedule the time for those sessions. Thank you for your time.”
“No, thank you Dr. Okido, goodbye.”
Dr. Okido watched as the girl left his office after shaking his hand, making her way down the hall. One thought kept rolling though his head though. Tomorrow, tomorrow he would have more answers.