Dr. Butkus, Matthew, and Matthew’s parents had agreed that at the end of April Matthew would discontinue his therapy sessions, with the assurance that Matthew could return at any time he wanted to.
To his final session Matthew took two pictures as well as an envelope. In the doctor’s office, he said that something had happened, and that while he knew memories would haunt him from time to time and the scars would always be there, he did feel much better.
“Why? What happened?” asked the doctor. Once again blushing bright red, Matthew told the therapist what he and Stephan had done over vacation, saying that Stephan thought he needed to do this as the final step in getting beyond what Sinclair had done to him. “Interesting,” remarked the doctor. “He certainly has been good for you.”
“Yes, he has. I only wish now I could get over being so shy.” The doctor suggested that being shy was only a drawback if it kept him from doing things that he wanted to do.
“Usually it doesn’t. I just have a hard time meeting new people or being in large groups, even of kids I know.”
“Each person has his own personality, Matthew. Some people, like your friend Stephan, are outgoing and make friends easily. Others, like you, are quieter and more cautious about committing to other people. That’s not necessarily bad; it’s just the way you are. If you’re really not comfortable being that way, then you need to work at meeting people, maybe making a goal, like meeting one new person a week or beginning with groups of three or four for awhile. Maybe Stephan could help you put some groups together.”
Matthew said he thought that was a good idea and he’d give it a try. Then he unwrapped his two paintings, the dark one and the sunlit one, and showed them to the doctor, explaining how and when he had done them and why.
“They’re quite graphic and remarkable,” The doctor said. “Matthew, I’m going to a conference next week where we’ll be talking about sexually abused boys. I wonder if I could borrow these as well as your monster pictures if I agree to take very good care of them.”
Matthew gladly agreed and then handed the doctor the envelope, on which was written, “To My Benefactor,” saying, “I’ve written a letter to the man who paid for my sessions with you, thanking him, telling him how much better I feel and that I know not all scout leaders are like Mr. Sinclair.”
“That’s very thoughtful, Matthew. As it happens, I’ll be seeing your benefactor, as you call him, soon, and I’ll give him your letter. Do I have permission to also show him your art work?” Matthew agreed and arranged to drop off the monster pictures at the doctor’s office.
A few weeks later, he received a call from the doctor, saying that he was finished with the pictures, although he hoped he might borrow them again in the future.
So one afternoon after school, Matthew, his mother, and Stephan went to pick up the art work. Dr. Butkus was delighted to meet Stephan about whom he had heard so much, and told the boy how much he thought he’d helped Matthew. Matthew in turn told the doctor about how he and Stephan had been doing things like getting ice cream or going to a movie with small groups of boys and he was beginning to enjoy it.
The doctor said he thought that was very good news. Then he told them about sharing the pictures at his conference and how amazed the other doctors were with Matthew’s ability to express what he was feeling. He also told them about showing the work to Matthew’s benefactor, who was astounded and who said that he wanted to continue to help Matthew by paying for art lessons and supplies. Stephan was so delighted he pounded Matthew on the back. Both Matthew and his mother were very grateful, so the doctor said they could work through him to make the arrangements. He added that he hoped some day the benefactor might make himself known to Matthew and Matthew replied that he very much wanted to meet the man to thank him personally.
They left the doctor’s office and went to get some ice cream. Over their sundaes, the boys smiled happily at each other. They didn’t know, of course, how long their special relationship would continue, but they both knew that Matthew was, indeed, feeling much better and that their futures looked very bright.
What more could two teenage boys ask?