To hide his affair, Herman inflicts emotional distress upon his stepson. When his jilted wife, the boy\u2019s mother, learns the truth, she calmly delivers justice.<\/p>\n
The soft melodies of Billie Holiday filled the room, the sultry voice surrounding the entangled figures on the white sofa. Herman, in his thirties, and Jezebel, his mistress, shared stolen moments in the dimly lit living room.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is so naughty of us!\u201d Jezebel whispered. \u201cWhat if your wife comes home early?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMy wife hasn\u2019t come home early in at least a year! We have the whole morning,\u201d Herman insisted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe whole morning!\u201d Jezebel echoed. \u201cWell, in that case, best we make the most of it, Mr. Loverman. Kiss me like you mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not all I\u2019m going to do; just wait,\u201d Herman replied, tossing his sweater aside.<\/p>\n
They lost themselves in the moment, but a creaking door interrupted them. Panic gripped the pair; Herman\u2019s wife wasn\u2019t supposed to be back for hours.<\/p>\n
\u201cWho is it?\u201d Jezebel whispered.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can\u2019t be my wife,\u201d Herman pleaded. \u201cShe told me she was working late. Quick, get\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
The front door slammed shut, and Herman faced the music.<\/p>\n
A young voice broke the tension. \u201cHerman? Are you here?\u201d Herman\u2019s son, Jake, entered, backpack slung over his shoulders.
\n\u201cWhat are you doing home, Jake?\u201d Herman asked angrily.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey made us go home early because of a scare,\u201d Jake explained. \u201cThey thought there was someone with a gun in the school. Herman, who is this lady?\u201d Jake asked, looking at Jezebel.<\/p>\n
Herman denied Jezebel\u2019s presence. \u201cJake, you must be seeing things.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I see a lady right there,\u201d Jake insisted.<\/p>\n
\u201cI made her disappear?\u201d Jake exclaimed.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou got rid of the ghost. You\u2019re a brave young man,\u201d Herman assured.<\/p>\n
After coaxing Jake to keep the encounter a secret, Herman allowed him unlimited screen time.<\/p>\n
After Jake left, Jezebel re-entered the room, disapproving of Herman\u2019s actions. \u201cWhat was that? You lied to your son?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStepson,\u201d Herman corrected. \u201cWhat did you expect? Tell him about us? Admit to our affair? I\u2019ll do whatever it takes to keep us together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jezebel sighed. \u201cOkay, cool,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was close, though,\u201d Herman said. \u201cWe\u2019ll get back to what we were doing another time!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d she agreed, kissing him goodbye. \u201cSee you later, Loverman,\u201d she added seductively.<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Herman\u2019s wife, Grace, returned home after sunset. Tension enveloped the dinner table as they sat down to eat. Jake seized the opportunity to share his peculiar day.<\/p>\n
\u201cMom,\u201d he began, \u201cwe left school early today because they thought there was someone with a gun inside.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2026what happened?\u201d Grace gasped.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a false alarm. Everything\u2019s fine, right, Jake?\u201d Herman interjected.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Jake said. \u201cBut when I came home, I saw a ghost.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA ghost?\u201d Grace asked, concerned.<\/p>\n
For illustration purposes only | Source: Facebook<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just his imagination,\u201d Herman intervened, concealing his panic. \u201cPost-traumatic stress from the school scare.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ignoring Herman, Grace focused on Jake. \u201cWhat did the ghost look like?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe was a lady with big, frizzy hair,\u201d Jake explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe?\u201d Grace repeated, looking at Herman.<\/p>\n
Herman laughed nervously. \u201cHe must be in shock. Go watch cartoons,\u201d he told Jake.<\/p>\n
After Jake left, Herman leaned in, trying to placate Grace. The tension lingered.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll call the school and get Jake an appointment with the psychologist,\u201d Grace said. \u201cNow that you\u2019re not working, you can take him to the appointment.\u201d<\/p>\n
Herman almost yelled, \u201cI\u2019m trying to find a job!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know. But..Maybe spend less time at that Moe\u2019s Diner you visit often and help more with Jake,\u201d Grace suggested stiffly.<\/p>\n
Herman didn\u2019t say much, promising to help her with her son.<\/p>\n
After dinner, Grace decided to talk to Jake. \u201cTalk to the counselor at school. It might help you understand what\u2019s going on, honey, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, Mom,\u201d Jake said sweetly and wished Herman and Grace good night.<\/p>\n
Herman\u2019s heart sank in regret, realizing his secret tryst with Jezebel was unraveling. He had hoped to manage the affair, but it was proving more complicated than expected.<\/p>\n
As they sat in the living room, Grace\u2019s eyes locked with Herman\u2019s. \u201cIt\u2019s for the best that we\u2019re taking him to a doctor. My boy\u2019s well-being is at stake.\u201d<\/p>\n
They argued, and Herman again said it wasn\u2019t needed, but Grace\u2019s determination prevailed. \u201cI\u2019ll make an appointment with the psychologist for Jake! And I\u2019m taking him there myself!\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
In Dr. Warren\u2019s child-friendly office, Jake\u2019s anxiety was palpable. His tiny hands gripped the chair he sat in.<\/p>\n
Dr. Warren greeted him warmly. \u201cLet\u2019s talk about what happened, Jake.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jake hesitated, recalling the frightening incident that brought him here and Herman\u2019s trick with ghosts. \u201cHerman said if I close my eyes, the ghost would disappear.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Warren turned to Grace. \u201cWhat trick did Herman show you? What ghosts?\u201d<\/p>\n
Grace explained Herman\u2019s role in their lives \u2014 that he was her second husband \u2014 and Jake continued, \u201cHerman said when I close my eyes, the ghost can\u2019t see me, so it goes away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Warren addressed Jake gently. \u201cClosing your eyes won\u2019t make dangerous things go away. It\u2019s important to talk to someone you trust.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jake nodded, sharing his fear of the ghost breaking up his family. \u201cI saw a lady. I am scared that lady will make Herman leave Mom.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Warren looked at Grace. \u201cI\u2019m going to recommend regular visits to help Jake understand these feelings better. Jake,\u201d he added, turning to the boy, \u201ccan you please excuse us? Your mom will be out in just a minute. I want to make an appointment for your next visit with her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jake nodded and left the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cI divorced Jake\u2019s father because he was unfaithful. He had an affair,\u201d Grace told Dr. Warren.<\/p>\n
The man nodded. \u201cI think what\u2019s happening with Jake is a classic case of Kleinian Projective Identification,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs it serious? What\u2026what can we do?\u201d Grace asked, concerned for her little boy.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry,\u201d Dr. Warren reassured her. \u201cIt\u2019s just a theory in child psychology based on Melanie Klein\u2019s work. Projective identification involves a child projecting feelings onto another or the world outside, often with the intent of making the other person experience what the projector is feeling, causing delusional behavior, like Jake\u2019s. We can deal with this.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI just want what\u2019s best for Jake,\u201d Grace said worriedly. \u201cIf you think you can help him, then we\u2019ll do whatever it takes.\u201d<\/p>\n
For illustration purposes only | Source: Facebook<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d like to work with Jake,\u201d Dr. Warren continued. \u201cHe might need counseling and medication. I\u2019m here to support both of you.\u201d<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
Grace briefed Herman on Dr. Warren\u2019s diagnosis over dinner. \u201cWhat did he call it?\u201d Herman asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething about projecting fears onto the external world,\u201d Grace said.<\/p>\n
For illustration purposes only | Source: Facebook<\/p>\n
\u201cIs it a real issue?\u201d Herman inquired.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, according to Dr. Warren. Jake might need medication,\u201d Grace replied.<\/p>\n
Herman lowered his head and concentrated on eating his food. \u201cIs something wrong?\u201d Grace asked him.<\/p>\n
\u201cUh, no, no, nothing wrong,\u201d Herman said unconvincingly. \u201cJust thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m taking the afternoon off tomorrow and taking Jake out for lunch. I think it will be good if he and I spend some time together. Maybe he will open up about what\u2019s troubling him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d Herman agreed nervously.<\/p>\n
At Moe\u2019s Diner, Grace and Jake discussed the menu. Suddenly, Jake closed his eyes, claiming to see the ghost from their living room.<\/p>\n
For illustration purposes only | Source: Facebook<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ghost? Are you sure, honey?\u201d Grace asked, worried and concerned.<\/p>\n
Jake pointed to the frizzy-haired waitress, Jezebel. Grace approached her, inquiring about any unusual experiences at the restaurant. But Jezebel denied any ghostly occurrences.<\/p>\n
Grace, suspicious, pressed on, \u201cIt\u2019s just that sometimes kids pick up on things, you know? Strange vibes or unusual occurrences. It would put my mind at ease to know if there\u2019s anything unusual about this place. For my son\u2019s sake.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jezebel dismissed Grace\u2019s doubts, claiming that Jake had an overactive imagination. Grace thanked her and returned to the table.<\/p>\n
But the woman sensed something off about Jezebel. Pieces of the puzzle were falling into place, and she couldn\u2019t shake the feeling that the truth was within reach.<\/p>\n
For illustration purposes only | Source: Facebook<\/p>\n
When Jezebel dropped the food, Grace said nothing. Jake closed his eyes and began counting again.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay now, Jake, she\u2019s gone,\u201d Grace assured. Jake opened his eyes, focusing on his ice cream.<\/p>\n
Grace had an idea. \u201cJake, should we call Herman and ask him to join us for lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jake nodded unenthusiastically.<\/p>\n
Grace smiled, pleased. \u201cBut my phone\u2019s dead. I\u2019ll ask the waitress if I can use hers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Approaching Jezebel, Grace said, \u201cMy phone\u2019s almost flat. Can I use yours to make a quick call to my office?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jezebel handed her phone reluctantly. \u201cNo problem. Go right ahead,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
For illustration purposes only | Source: Facebook<\/p>\n
Grace dialed Herman\u2019s number and got the shock of her life when the caller ID on Jezebel\u2019s phone revealed \u201cLoverman.\u201d Shocked, Grace hung up quickly and returned to the table. But now the truth was out.<\/p>\n
With a weak smile, she encouraged Jake to finish his food soon.<\/p>\n
After arranging a playdate for Jake, Grace returned home. Settling on the sofa, she reached for her phone, dialing Dr. Warren.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s Grace. I need your guidance and support.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grace recounted the events, revealing her plan to remove Herman\u2019s belongings. Dr. Warren supported her decision.<\/p>\n
Soon, the removal men arrived, packing up Herman\u2019s things.<\/p>\n
When Herman arrived, he was shocked. \u201cGrace, what\u2019s going on? What are these men doing with our things?\u201d he asked, baffled.<\/p>\n
For illustration purposes only | Source: Facebook<\/p>\n
Grace imitated the charade Herman had once played with their son, a mocking smile on her lips.<\/p>\n
\u201cHerman, what men? I don\u2019t see any men. You must be seeing ghosts. Oh, and to be clear, those are not our things; they are your things.\u201d<\/p>\n
Herman\u2019s face paled. The tables had turned.<\/p>\n
His voice quivered, \u201cGrace, you must believe me. I didn\u2019t mean for any of this to happen. I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
For illustration purposes only | Source: Facebook<\/p>\n
Grace cut him off, her voice firm and unwavering. \u201cHerman, there is no room for excuses. The time for lies and infidelity is over. You know what you are to me now? A ghost!\u201d<\/p>\n
Herman\u2019s eyes twisted up with regret, but Grace\u2019s resolve held. She explained that all of his personal items were being moved to a storage facility, signaling the end of their shared life together.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve also been in consultation with Dr. Warren, and we\u2019ve initiated criminal charges for emotional abuse. The police will be here shortly.\u201d<\/p>\n
Soon, two officers arrived, their badges glinting. They informed Herman of his rights and took him away; justice was served.<\/p>\n
For illustration purposes only | Source: Facebook<\/p>\n
Grace, feeling vindicated, turned to the door, closed her eyes, and counted to ten \u2013 her way of making Herman\u2019s ghost disappear.<\/p>\n
Opening her eyes, she saw Jake, who ran to her and embraced her.<\/p>\n
Grace held him close. The road ahead was uncertain, but they were united, and they would face whatever challenges that lay ahead with courage and love.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
To hide his affair, Herman inflicts emotional distress upon his stepson. When his jilted wife, the boy\u2019s mother, learns the truth, she calmly delivers justice. The soft… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12730","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n