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uptake, they’re trying various meds as treatment.”
    “Nowadays, most everything is attributed to neurotransmitters.”
    “You don’t recommend meds on scientific grounds? Or you don’t like them because Ph.D.’s can’t use them?”
    “Meds have their place and if you’re interested in that route, I’d be happy to refer you to a good child psychiatrist. I’ve found childhood OCD to respond well to nondrug treatments.”
    “Such as?”
    “Cognitive behavior therapy, other anxiety-reduction techniques. Sometimes just finding out what’s making the child tense and remedying it is enough.”
    “Tanya doesn’t seem nervous, Doc. Just intensely focused.”
    “OCD’s rooted in anxiety. Her habits are doing their job so the tension’s masked, but you’re describing a steadily expanding pattern.”
    She thought about that. “Guess so…listen, no offense meant by that remark about Ph.D.’s.”
    “None taken,” I said. “You’re an informed consumer who wants the best for her child.”
    “I’m a mother who feels bad because her kid seems to be losing control. And I blame myself because
I
need for everything to be predictable and everyone to be happy. And that’s about as realistic as world peace.”
    “I’m a people-pleaser, too, Ms. Bigelow. If I wasn’t, I could’ve been a lawyer and billed more per hour.”
    She laughed. “Now that I fixed your pictures, you do seem like a pretty organized guy. So you think you can help Tanya just by talking?”
    “My approach would be to develop whatchamacallit rapport, see if there’s anything on her mind that you’re unaware of, find out if she’s interested in changing, and help her change.”
    “What if she doesn’t want to change?”
    “My experience has been that kids aren’t happy being bound by all those routines. They just don’t see a way out. Have you talked to her about any of this?”
    “I started to,” she said. “Last week or so, when she got into the curtain-kissing. I guess I lost my patience and told her to stop being silly. She gave me a look that cut me right here.” Touching her left breast. “Like I’d
wounded
her. I immediately felt like a truckful of manure and had to leave the room to do some breathing. When I gathered the gumption to go back in there and apologize, the lights were off and she was in bed. But when I leaned down to kiss her, her body was all tight and she was gripping the covers—with the fingernails, you know? I told myself whoa, Patty, you’re screwing the kid up, time for professional advice. I talked to Richard—Dr. Silverman—and first thing out of his mouth is your name. He said you’re the best. After meeting you, I’m feeling good. You don’t judge, you listen. And those degrees ain’t too shabby, either. So when can you see Tanya?”
    “I’ve got an opening in a couple of days, but if it’s urgent, I’ll make time tonight.”
    “Naw,” she said. “I think I can handle a couple of days. Got any advice beyond lay off and don’t say anything stupid?”
    “Explain to Tanya that you’re bringing her to a doctor who doesn’t give shots and won’t hurt her in any way. Use the word ‘psychologist’ and tell her I help kids who are nervous or worried by talking to them, drawings, playing games. Tell her she won’t be forced to do anything she doesn’t want to.”
    She opened the briefcase, found a legal pad, scrawled notes. “I think I’ve got all that…sounds fine except for the games. Tanya doesn’t like games, can’t even get her to use a deck of cards.”
    “What does she like?”
    “Drawing’s okay, she’s pretty good at that. Also, she does cutouts—paper dolls, she can handle a scissors like a pro. Maybe she’ll be a surgeon.”
    “Like Rick.”
    “That would be okay with me. So what time in a couple of days?”
    We set up the appointment. She said, “Fine, thanks much,” and paid me in cash. Smiling. “You’re sure you only want half?”
    I smiled back,