Author's Note

Getting into the psychological aspects. I wouldn't recommend diagnosing anyone unless you're trained to do so and have examined them personally. If you are under psychological care, bring up your concerns with your counsellor.

Configuration

Before the end of the second session, Anvil requested Diamond and Sunset hold off on experimenting with any substances.

"Next time we meet, I'll start building your profiles," she told them, "To do that effectively, I need you to be clear-headed."

The sisters agreed.

The third session began in early December. Anvil had her notes from their previous conversations on hand.

"There are two ways I can analyze you: together or alone," she explained, "Because you're all aware of the situation, I suspect the method won't make much difference. That's why I'm leaving it up to you."

"I want to do this alone." Diamond spoke.

Sunset stared at her sibling in surprise.

"Are you sure?" the teen asked.

"It's easier to focus when I'm alone."

"...All right. We'll be outside if you need anything."

Sunset rubbed her sister's shoulder before leaving the room. Spoiled and Filthy kissed and hugged their daughter before following suit. When they closed the door, the private conversation began.

"You seem really close to your family." Anvil noted.

"That's the kind of relationship every kid wants, right? People who care enough to keep us out of harm's way?"

"No eleven-year-old I've met observes the world around them the way you do. Your intelligence far exceeds most children in your age group."

"You can learn a lot in six months, especially if you have the right person encouraging you."

"Would you say you have a high openness to experience?"

"Yes."

"What about conscientiousness?"

"I don't know what that means."

"Is your behavior consistent over long periods?"

"Yes."

"Are you extraverted?"

"I used to be."

"When did that change?"

"After I stopped bullying other kids."

"Why would you refer to yourself as a bully?"

"I used to tease people for being poor and unskilled. Maybe...It was more like taunting."

"Why?"

"My dad is a very career-oriented person. We didn't really spend much time together until I told him I was at risk for severe depression."

"What about your mother?"

"She was kind of snooty and looked down on the less fortunate. That might've been where I picked up my callousness."

"You say they changed after you spoke to them about your feelings?"

"They weren't really aware of their surroundings because of how goal-driven they are, but they're far from stupid."

"So you did have some sense of empathy."

"Yeah."

"Would you describe yourself as agreeable?"

"Back then? No. Now? A lot more."

"What about Neuroticism?"

"I don't know what that means."

"Do you find yourself experiencing mood swings or heightened negative emotions?"

"My mood is pretty consistent, but I get really anxious when I start thinking about mortality and other existential topics."

"Is there anything else you can think of that might influence your personality?"

"Actually, yeah. That's the real reason I wanted to talk to you alone."

"Is this something you'd like to remain confidential?"

"Sunset knows, but mom and dad don't. It's not something I really want to talk about with them."

"I understand. Please, continue."

"Back in May, I told one of my friends I liked them. They turned me down. It was really painful, but I knew ahead of time it could happen."

"How did you know?"

"I talked to Sunset about it beforehand. She wanted me to go into it without unrealistic expectations. It softened the blow a little, but I was heartbroken for months."

"This must've been someone you really cared about."

"She was, and she still is, but lately there's someone else I've been thinking about in a different light. I want to talk to her about it, but I can't."

"Would it be okay if I asked why?"

"Because she's older than me."

"Is she an adult?"

"Yeah..."

"Perhaps I can help if you don't mind my input."

"That's why I'm here, right?"

"There are two ways you might be able to go about this. The first option is to wait until you're an adult yourself and pursue a relationship with this person."

"What's option two?"

"It's similar to option one, but it entails sharing your feelings early. Perhaps if you tell them now, they would be willing to wait until you're of legal age."

"That doesn't feel fair to her."

"The choice is yours to make. You do what you feel is right, provided it doesn't cross the legal boundaries."

"What I feel is right..."

"Right."

"So...What's your diagnosis?"

"There are a few things it could be. Your limbic system seems to be slightly overactive. This can cause heightened emotional intensity and enhanced stimulation."

"What can we do?"

"Pain relievers like acetaminophen have been shown to help reduce emotional responses, and CBD oil is still on the table as well. In addition, we can try a mix of two specific types of humanistic therapy: Client-Centered and Gestalt."

"What do those entail?"

"Client-Centered therapy is based on the idea that your expertise in your personal experiences is what's most important. My role would be to listen both as a medical professional and as a friend."

"That sounds really comforting, actually. What about Gestalt therapy?"

"The Gestalt method emphasizes awareness of the present and personal responsibility, traits you've already displayed with your shift in behavior."

Diamond gave an emotional smile. It was the most relieved she'd felt in years.

"We made the right call coming to you."

Anvil smiled back.

Sunset was the next to be examined. Compared to Diamond, she was less open, slightly more conscientious, slightly more introverted, and similar in agreeableness and neuroticism. Anvil recommended the same medication, but suggested Psychodynamic therapy, Client-Centered humanistic therapy, and Existential humanistic therapy. With their analyses complete and their programs prepared, Diamond and Sunset were ready to continue their research.