Natalie knocked at the door and Amber flung it open almost immediately.
"Hi," she said. "Come on in."
"Thank you," Natalie replied. "Where shall I set up my table?"
"Oh, umm, in my room," Amber replied. "More privacy."
"Of course."
"Is that Mrs Hanson?" Amber's mothers' voice floated out to them.
Natalie shook her head slightly, still unused to being refered to as 'Mrs Hanson'.
"Yes," Amber replied and her mother entered the room, holding out her hand.
"It's nice to meet you," she said. "When Amber first appraoched us... well, I had no idea you came so highly recommended, and by Tanya herself. Very impressive."
Natalie shrugged non-chalantly.
"It's what I do," she replied simply.
**********
An hour later, the massage was complete and Natalie began packing up again.
"Saku was right," Amber mused. "I do feel a lot better."
Natalie chuckled.
"Well, that's a good start," she replied with a smile. "We'll just do massage for a few weeks, then we'll start on the hard part."
"I have to admit, I'm not really looking forward to that bit," Amber said nervously.
"No one ever does," Natalie replied. "But the longer you put off dealing with something, the harder it is to del with it later, and the more often the problem with haunt you. Ever noticed when you run away from your problems they always find their way back to you?"
"Yeah, that's annoying."
"Well, the best way to deal with it is to face 'em head on. And the sooner the better."
Amber nodded.
"Thank you," she said.
"No problem. See you next week."