Good Man

“Are you sure she’s the right person for this?” An unfamiliar voice asks right outside my office door.

“I know she’s the right girl,” a familiar voice comes to my defense. “Erin is the girl they send soldiers to that need help with their transitions from soldier to civilian. She’s seen and heard a lot of stuff; she’s perfect for this.”

“Do you think she’s seen anything like him?” The first voice asks.

“Steve, I get it; he’s your friend and you want to save him. But you’ve got to trust Erin; she’ll get the man you grew up with back. She has a high success rate, she can do this.” A sigh escapes the first man’s lips before I hear a knock on the door.

“It’s open!” I call out, turning on the music I’ve been playing lower than before. “Hey Sam,” I smile when the two men walk into the office.

“Hey Erin,” Sam smiles back before slightly turning to the hero next to him, “Captain Steven Rogers this is Erin Dugan, one of the best psychologists the V.A has ever hired.”

“Aw Sam, you’re making me blush,” I laugh. “Guys have a seat, the meeting will be a lot more comfortable if you just sit down and relax.”

“How have you been Erin?” Sam asks, “how is Daniel doing?”

“My brother is still adjusting to being honorably discharged.” I reply, “While that whole mess was going on here, I was dealing my brother having an identity crisis in London. He’s only ever seen himself as a soldier. He has no idea what to do with himself now that he’s out.”

“Come from a long line of soldiers?” Steve asks.

“Boy is she ever,” Sam asks, “her grandfather was a Howling Commando.”

“Really?” The legend asks as he looks at me closely; trying to figure out which one.

“Yea Dum Dum Dugan was my grandfather,” I state, “he would tell us all these stories about the missions and adventures; inspiring my brothers to join the army. While they were off defending our country, I went to school to be a psychologist specializing in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and family counseling. Because the soldiers aren’t the only ones that need help with the transition. Families need it too.”

“So you think you can help my friend?” He asks.

“From what information Sam gave me, yea I’ll be able to help him.” I smile, “that’s as long as he wants the help. If he doesn’t, it’s not going to work.”

“Trust me, he wants it.” Steve assures me. “So when does this start?”

“Well I’m appointment free all day tomorrow, so then?” I suggest. “We can either meet here or a public place; I always suggest going to the museum but this is completely up to you guys.”

“Smithsonian it is then,” Steve says getting up with Sam following suit. “The Captain America exhibit at three?” I stand up and give him a salute; a proper one with perfect posture. He smiles and returns it before both of us relax. I walk around my desk and stand in front of the two men.

“I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” I hug Sam first and he walks out of the room, leaving me alone with Captain America. “I’ll bring him back, Captain; I promise.”

He just smiles before I give him a brief hug. With one final look, he walks out of my office; closing the door behind him. A sigh escapes my lips as I go back and sit behind my desk. I turn The Doors up louder and sit back in the chair; my eyes falling upon the picture of my grandfather and I. It was the last picture we took together before he was put into a nursing home. A sigh escapes my lips, a nervous one. I honestly have no idea what I’m getting myself into and that scares me. But if my grandfather taught me anything, it’s to embrace the unknown. I guess that’s the only thing keeping me from pulling away from this job.

A knock on my door snaps me out of my thoughts. I sit up straight when the receptionist walks in, “Miss Carter is here to see you.”

“Send her in,” I smile. She nods her head and walks back out, closing the door behind her; leaving me to get ready for my four o’clock appointment….

Notes