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“Cmon fam, this session will be good for us! Communication is key in a strong household.” Jerry chirped enthusiastically, glancing up at the rearview mirror to see the three members in the backseat. Morty was crammed in between both Summer and Rick, curled in on himself with his chin resting melancholically on his knees.
Morty was usually always the one to take the middle seat during family events, neither Rick or Summer were small enough to fit. He guessed that was yet another flaw of being both the youngest and the shortest of the family. Jerry sat in the passenger seat with Beth driving the family to their next therapy appointment. This would be the first one where everybody was present, and Rick wasn’t plotting some elaborate scheme to escape the situation.
“Shut the fuck up Jerry. You’re the only one enjoying this right now…” Rick grumbled, his arms crossed angrily over his chest. It was expected that Rick would be completely against the idea of therapy, he was never one to talk about his emotions, especially not in front of loved ones. They’d been to Dr. Wong before though, so Rick was slightly more comfortable with the idea, although he’d never admit it.
Truth be told, Morty was actually slightly excited for this session. Over the past few months, he’d learnt to journal a bit, and he wanted desperately to show someone who’d care. Like Rick, Morty was never good at talking about his emotions. However unlike Rick, Morty was always open to the idea. He knew that showing his written feelings to Rick or Summer would be a death wish, but his mother and father cared even less. So Dr Wong felt like the best option. He’d always viewed Wong as super understanding, however he’d never interacted with her enough to form a direct opinion on the woman, so he’d just have to hope his assumptions were correct.
“That your diary Morty?” Summer looked up from her phone for the first time throughout the car ride, seemingly just to tease Morty.
Morty flinched at the sudden conversation and let his eyes dart around the car to ensure nobody was listening.
“No it’s just a journal type thing y’know?” Morty tried not to sound too defensive, he didn’t need Summer asking more questions.
”Lemme see-“
”NO.” Morty snatched the book away, effectively bumping into Rick beside him. This earned him an annoyed look.
”Jesus Morty don’t be a baby, fine I won’t look in your stupid diary…” Summer gave up on the idea quickly, returning her attention to her phone.
Morty tucked his journal tightly to his chest, trying to prevent any sudden theft. Rick gave him a suspicious glance, but didn’t care to push further.
It was quiet after that, the only sound heard was Jerry’s occasional upbeat comment, that of which was usually followed by a snark remark by either Summer or Rick.
…
“Good evening everyone. Please, sit wherever you’d like.” Dr Wong greeted the family gently, gesturing towards the leather sofa.
Rick settled in a loveseat next to the couch as the rest of the family sat comfortably on the sofa. Morty sat near the edge of the couch, leaning tiredly on the armrest.
“Summer, sweetie, please get of your phone…” Beth lent over to face her daughter who was currently invested in whatever slop she was watching.
Summer had a less healthy way of coping than Morty, usually scrolling mindlessly on her cell phone than directly confronting her feelings. That or weed. She’d given Morty some weed at one point, but after he’d immediately gotten caught with it, she never did again. Nevertheless, it was hard for Summer to enjoy teen life with her brother and grandfather around. Summer didn’t hate Morty, she just wished he didn’t accidentally ruin every friendship she’s ever made with his… uniqueness.
Summer nonchalantly lifted her gaze from her phone, moving to place it in her pocket. She really didn’t want to be here, but there wasn’t much she could do.
“Before we begin,” Dr Wong began to speak again, effectively redirecting the family’s attention back towards her, “I’d like for Summer and Morty to answer a few questions for me.” Wong reached into a folder and held out a piece of paper for each child.
Both Summer and Morty were reluctant to grab the sheet, Beth and Jerry looked slightly more nervous than usual. Rick was unbothered, to no one’s surprise.
”It’s simply a mental diagnosis exam,” Dr Wong continued and reached for pencils as the kids finally took the papers, “this is nothing to be concerned about, don’t worry.” Wong handed them pencils.
“You… think they’re depressed?” Beth questioned cautiously, fidgeting slightly in her lap.
“Not at all, this will only give me something to work off of and towards.” Wong kept a neutral face the entire conversation, though it was clear her words were genuine.
“I’d like for the adults to step out of the room whilst they answer the questions.” She gestured towards the door, her tone was much less than a suggestion.
Beth and Jerry willingly left, only Rick remained.
”That applies to you too Rick.”
Rick left out a grumble as he annoyedly followed the two before him.
Dr Wong turned to look at Morty and Summer, who were eyeing their papers suspiciously, Summer looked a bit more concerned than Morty.
“Take as long as you need to answer the questions, there’s no rush.” The woman stated calmly, settling her hands in her lap as she watched the two.
Summer sat for a moment before finally glancing down at her paper. God, this was familiar. She’d taken one of these before when she was 15, the memory of crying and yelling was fresh in her mind. After the first time, Summer knew never to tell the truth on these things. That’s when she realized, Morty didn’t. She quickly turned to look at Morty, whose face was pale with realization.
Fuck. Morty definitely thought he’d be forced to tell the truth on this paper, and Summer knew that he was struggling. If the boy answered honestly, he’d fuck it up for both of them. There was no way to get his attention, Dr Wongs eyes were on the two and she’d definitely notice.
It took Morty a moment to realize what he was looking at, and when he did, his stomach sank. The questions were so specific and felt directed at him, Morty was terrified.
How often do you think about hurting yourself?
Never
Sometimes
Often
Very often
Morty thought it over for a minute. Then, awkwardly, circled sometimes. That was a slight lie, though he didn’t feel they’d notice.
How often do you think about ending your life?
Never
Sometimes
Often
Very often
Morty was a bit more on edge than the last, he didn’t know what would happen if he answered this truthfully. Surely he wouldn’t be in trouble? Plus, how would they know he lied? Morty circled never.
How often do you feel your family would be better off without you?
Never
Sometimes
Often
Very Often
Oh, ouch. Morty felt bad about lying again, but he was scared to admit how often he felt this way. Morty circled never once again. He wondered if Dr Wong would get suspicious of him, maybe she’d suspect something and confront him. Morty knew how easily he cracked under pressure, so he hoped that wasn’t the case.
Have you ever made an attempt to end your life?
Yes
No
Morty was a little stuck on this question. He didn’t really know what counted as an attempt, the boy could count at least 5 times that he’d subconsciously tried to sacrifice himself, but he didn’t think that really mattered. He did know, however, that if he answered truthfully, he’d be in for it. Morty circled no.
Have you ever intentionally harmed yourself?
Yes
No
This last question made him flinch a little. Morty knew the answer was absolutely yes, but he feared what would happen if he circled it. Morty had hurt himself countless times, some out of anger, some out of pure melancholy. He’d never made himself bleed though, nor did he ever break the skin, so he wondered if that was really a valid self harm method. Morty shrugged off the thought and quickly circled no.
Finally, Morty looked up from his paper. Both Wong and Summer were looking at him expectantly, Summer must’ve finished before him. The boy shakily handed his paper to Wong, and she placed it atop Summer’s.
Summer gave Morty a nervous glance as Dr Wong began to speak again.
”I hope you both answered truthfully, now please excuse me as I go gather your parents.” Wong stood silently and walked towards the door.
”When we get home, we need to talk.” Summer grabbed Morty’s shoulder and whispered quietly to the boy. He looked over, slightly concerned, but understood her sternness. The boy nodded and rested his hand on Summer’s.
…
The rest of the session had gone rather smoothly, aside from the occasional bickering between two or more of the members. Dr Wong hadn’t brought up the papers the entirety of the session, causing a Morty a major anxiety spike. Summer looked a bit more collected, however it was clear she was still on edge. Morty wondered if Summer had lied like he did, or maybe she’d told the truth and she was just really happy? It was impossible to tell.
Summer shut the door quietly behind her as her and Morty stepped into his room. They stood silently for a moment, listening for footsteps on the stairs. After a bit of waiting, Summer sat defeated on Morty’s bed, Morty followed suit afterwards.
“Were you honest on that test?” Summer rested her head in her hands, as she expected she already knew the answer.
“I- uh, I lied on-on most of them. Was I not supposed to do that?” Morty’s tone slowly rose into a panic as he gripped his jeans.
”No! No, you’re good…. Thank shit Morty oh my god…” Summer was relieved to hear that Morty hadn’t been truthful—as horrible as that sounded.
“I feel like maybe I should’ve…” Morty shrugged slightly, eyes tied to the ground.
“It’s safer this way.” Summer felt guilty directly telling her little brother to lie, but in such a situation, it was necessary.
They sat there for another moment, the silence was somewhat comforting for the two. Suddenly, as Summer began to stand and return to her room, she felt small arms wrap around her waist. Morty buried his face in her side, trying to hold back tears.
Summer sat back down next to him, close this time, and returned the hug gently. It was hard for them both, but in such a dysfunctional household, this was the only way to survive. Morty dreaded the next appointment, but he knew that it would all be okay, as long as Summer was there with him.