“Pick a spot on the wall and focus your eyes on that. Now take a deep breath and hold it as long as you can. Let it out. Another deep breath . . . ” I’m staring at the corner where the white ceiling and tan walls come together. I’m wondering if I really can relax today. Last time, my eyes got heavy and closed within a few breaths, but today, my second time, it takes longer. I’m aware of a siren in the street, of the therapist’s dog scratching at the door. I’m not sure I’m ready when Reatha tells me to picture myself going down a stairway or a mountainside as she counts from 10 to 1. I choose a ladder because I’m always afraid of falling and so relieved when my feet touch the ground.