Chapter 1525
Callum paused, then turned to look at Belinda with a hint of confusion.
This wasn’t what they had agreed upon earlier. He usually didn’t take on cases involving child counseling.
Belinda, aware of why her aunt had brought ‘Adrian’ here, shrugged helplessly and spread her hands. “What’s the big deal? Children’s psychological problems definitely have something to do with their parents. Is it so wrong to counsel the mother and son together? Dr. Callum, you’re a professional; surely this isn’t beyond your capabilities.”
Callum arched an eyebrow and pursed his lips. “Of course it’s not.”
He turned back to ‘Adrian, professionally accessing the child’s demeanor. “Belinda, why don’t you take the little guy to the table by the fridge for a drink? I’ll have a one-on-one with Ms. Mendoza about her son’s situation.”
Belinda was more than happy to comply. She got up and led ‘Adrian’ away, but the child was reluctant. It took some coaxing from Ellinor before ‘Adrian’ was willing to follow Belinda.
Once Belinda and the child were out of sight, Callum turned back to Ellinor. “Ms. Mendoza, do you believe there’s a psychological issue with your son that
allum requires our intervention?”
Ellinor’s eyes flickered as she recounted her son’s recent change in behavior. “Last weekend, his aunt and I took him and his siblings on a picnic. During our picnic, he saw a kite he liked and ran after it. I found him soon after he disappeared, but I scolded him out of anxiety. Since then, he’s become withdrawn and timid. He seems unfamiliar and uncomfortable with his home environment. I’m worried that my outburst that day may have caused him psychological trauma.”
Callum pondered her plea while stroking his chin. “Usually, kids don’t develop psychological problems just from being scolded for running off. There might be another reason. Would it be okay if I had a private conversation with him, Ms. Mendoza?”
Since she was here, Ellinor naturally hoped to understand the reason behind her son’s drastic change in behavior.
Ellinor nodded. “Of course! However, I hope the conversation won’t be too long. He’s been quite sensitive recently.”
Callum laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m a professional.”
With that, Callum stood up, walking gracefully to the table by the fridge to find Belinda. He swapped places with her, leaving him alone with the child.
Belinda sauntered back from the diner and sat next to Ellinor. “Ellinor, what do you think of my friend?”
Ellinor couldn’t make a judgment yet. Her gaze was fixed on the table where she saw ‘Adrian’ initially looking defensive at Dr. Callum. After a while; ‘Adrian’ began to relax and sat obediently, chatting with the doctor with ease.
“Look.” Belinda said. “Adrian is having a great chat with Dr. Callum. You should also have a heart-to-heart with him. It’s really effective.”
Ellinor arched an eyebrow at her. “Me? What do 1 need to talk about?”
Belinda blinked her big eyes. “Of course, it’s about your feelings. You can use Dr. Callum as an emotional dumpster. Anything that bothers or troubles you, just tell him and let it all out. I always feel refreshed after venting to him. Why don’t you give it a shot?”
Ellinor pulled a half-smile. “I don’t have any feelings to vent.”
Belinda pouted. “I don’t believe you! You must be bottling up a lot of emotions related to my uncle. If you keep it inside, it will make you sick. Chat with Dr. Callum and let him guide you through your feelings. You’ll feel much better.”
Ellinor laughed lightly. “My feelings can only be released effectively when expressed to the person involved. Everything else is ineffective. So, introducing me to your psychologist friend was your plan all along?”
