September 13, 2023 • 22 mins
Are the terrible fears and experiences of a young woman real or imagined? And can only a psychologist help?
Paul Stansbury is a lifelong native of Kentucky. He is the author of Inversion - Not Your Ordinary Stories; Inversion II - Creatures, Fairies, and Haints, Oh My!; Inversion III – The Lighter Shades of Greys; Inversion IV – Another Infusion of Speculative Fiction; and Down By the Creek – Ripples and Reflections. His speculative fiction stories have appeared in a number of print anthologies as well as a variety of online publications. Now retired, he lives in Danville, Kentucky. www.paulstansbury.com
You can read "Six Visits" at https://www.kaidankaistories.com.
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Paul Stansbury is a lifelong native of Kentucky. He is the author of Inversion - Not Your Ordinary Stories; Inversion II - Creatures, Fairies, and Haints, Oh My!; Inversion III – The Lighter Shades of Greys; Inversion IV – Another Infusion of Speculative Fiction; and Down By the Creek – Ripples and Reflections. His speculative fiction stories have appeared in a number of print anthologies as well as a variety of online publications. Now retired, he lives in Danville, Kentucky. www.paulstansbury.com
You can read "Six Visits" at https://www.kaidankaistories.com.
Website: kaidankaistories.com
Follow us on:
Twitter/X
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:14):
Hello, and welcome to the Kaiteon Kai, where we read a story
about the supernatural every week. I'myour host, Linda Gould, and I
am so happy to present today's story, six Visits by Paul Stansbury. If
you've been listening this month, andI hope you have been, you may
have noticed a theme in this month'sstories. They're all commentary on modern life.
(00:39):
Contrition is about the horrors that soldiersdo and face during war, and
that made me think of, well, any of the modern wars that are
going on, but in particular thewar in Ukraine, and Monday's story related
to terrorism and white supremacy. Today'sstory offers an interesting perspective on science versus
legend or folklore, and that's throughvisits to a psychologist counselor So are the
(01:03):
terrible fears and experiences of a youngwoman real or imagined? And can only
a psychologist help? Paul Stansbury isa lifelong native of Kentucky. His speculative
fiction stories have appeared in a numberof print anthologies and online publications, and
he's the author of multiple books,including the Inversion series. See the episode
(01:26):
description for a list of all ofhis books and his full bio and now
here is six visits by Paul Stansbury. Enjoy visit one. Something has been
sucking my dreams and thoughts from myhead at night for quite some time,
(01:47):
said Katsuki, wiping a tear away. Now it has started happening during the
day. She eyed the paunchy,balding man sitting behind a cluttered desk.
The office was cramped, replaced withtwenty year old decor. Honestly, i
haven't slept properly in months now.I'm starting to blank out when I'm awake.
(02:08):
I'm worn out. I feel I'velost my creativity. Doctor Getul,
I don't know if I'm going completelyinsane or not. Actually, I'm not
a doctor. I'm a licensed socialworker. You can call me Herbert if
you like. Nonetheless, you've cometo the right place, he assured,
looking up from the file folder onhis desk at the petite, young Asian
(02:30):
woman. Her face was drawn,making the dark circles under her eyes more
pronounced. She sat on the edgeof the chair, fumbling with her clutch.
I've dealt with the dream disorders ofhundreds, if not thousands, of
clients, probably the most of anyonearound this area. You might say,
dream disorders are my specialty. Youwere referred here by doctor Tarradash for parisandia.
(02:55):
He asked, Katsuki dabbed at hereyes with a tissue. Yes.
I didn't know where to start,so I started with my general practitioner.
Herbert held up a sheet of paperfrom the folder, examining it through his
thick glasses. Doctor Taradash reports thatyou complained of trouble concentrating, fatigue,
(03:16):
feelings of guilt, loss of interestin hobbies, and loss of appetite.
If a client comes to me withsuch complaints, I will assume it can
only be a result of psychological orphysical conditions I see. Doctor Taradash ordered
a full battery of tests to determineif there were any physical conditions which would
cause your symptoms. Oh yeah,she ran everything she could think of,
(03:39):
but she couldn't find any definitive physicalreason for what's happening to me. It's
evident from her notes, said Herbert. She didn't test for psychological conditions such
as post traumatic stress disorder, insomniaor the like. Doctor Taradash said what
I described sounded like sleep terrors,disorders, or something she called nocturnal cognitive
(04:02):
arousals. Katsuki giggled. She saidthat last one had nothing to do with
sex. So in the end,she said, I should see someone who
specializes in dream disorders. I checkedthe internet and you were the nearest one.
A sterling recommendation, grumbled Herbert.How long will this take? Keep
(04:25):
in mind that therapy isn't like gettinga prescription for antibiotics. Take it for
two weeks and that's it. Thataside, I think we can make significant
progress in six visits. But beforewe get down to business, why don't
you sit over there, he said, pointing to a well worn sofa on
the other side of the room,and make yourself comfortable. Clients find it
(04:47):
more relaxing than that straight back you'resitting on. Okay, said Kotzuki.
She moved over to the sofa andsat down. Herbert picked up a legal
pad before plopping down in a clubchair next to her. So where were
we, Herbert asked, Oh?Yes, Therapy isn't something one can quantify.
What I mean is one can't readilysay it will take this many or
(05:12):
that many sessions and then everything willbe okay. Do you understand? I
guess so Kotzegi tugged at her earand looked away. Good. Now that
we've settled that, you say you'velost your creativity, What is it that
you do. I'm a producer fora content creation studio that helps build brands.
We launch products and expand our clientsreach hm. I bet that pays
(05:36):
well, said Herbert. Huh,not as much as you might think,
said Kotzuki. After paying off studentloans and living in the city, there
isn't much left over. I guessthere's a lot of stress in a job
like that. M No more thanmost other jobs, countered Kotzugi. I
(05:57):
already talked with doctor Tyradash about that. Any relationship issues, asked Herbert.
Boyfriend troubles, No, girlfriend troubles, no, parent troubles. No.
The reason I ask, Herbert,explained, is the fact that dreams may
be ways of confronting stressful emotional circumstancesin your life, and when you sleep,
(06:19):
the brain operates at a higher emotionallevel. Consequently, the brain may
make connections regarding feelings that the consciousself wouldn't make. It is interesting that
you cite losing creativity. One theoryis that dreaming helps facilitate our creative tendencies.
(06:39):
Artists have claimed some of their mostcreative work came from dreams. People
have what we call the logic filter, which is present when we are awake.
It can restrict your creative flow.On the other hand, your thoughts
and ideas have no restrictions when you'resleeping. What that means in your particular
case is yet to be determined,but may speak to the parisomnia suggested by
(07:02):
doctor Tarradash. Well, the onlystressful thing in my life, huffed Kotzugi,
eyes glaring at Herbert, is thefact that something is getting inside my
head. If that's what you mean, then I agree. My question to
you is are you going to helpme find out what it is and help
me get rid of it? Herbertstroked his chin, searching for an answer.
(07:27):
Well, whatever it is, wewill certainly work together to determine its
nature and origin, and through discoveryeventually map out a strategy to deal with
it. First thing is to orderup a battery of psychological tests and assessments
so I can establish a baseline.First, doctor tarradash, Now you said,
(07:48):
kotzugy test this test that this istaking too much time. I'm going
crazy while you're giving me tests tests? Are we talking about h Well,
for starters, I suggest a rorshocktat, an MMPI, then the back
Depression Inventory PTSD, symptom scale interview, and an insomnia questionnaire. There are
(08:13):
some others that we can use ifnecessary. What are all of these tests
going to tell you? Asked Katsukias I said, they will establish a
baseline from which we can begin todelve into what is going on with you.
When will we get around to gettingrid of whatever it is that's sucking
the life out of me? Ican't go on like this much longer.
(08:37):
Herbert wrote something on a form andhanded it to her. If it's okay
with you, I suggest a followup session after the testing and assessments.
Give this to Tad at the receptiondesk and he'll schedule a time for your
tests and next visit visit too.So that concludes my explanation of the results
(08:58):
of your valuations and tests, saidHerbert. Do you have any questions?
He had been droning on for thebetter part of an hour, discussing an
endless array of graphs and tables,Even the comfort of the sofa couldn't keep
Kotsuki from squirming. Yes, Isee all the graphs and tables, said
Kotsuki, not that they tell meanything I didn't know before I spent half
(09:20):
a day taking them. You haveyet to tell me how any of these,
she said, slamming the test resultson the table explain what's eating away
at me and how I get ridof it? Well, stammered Herbert,
in a nutshell, the results areinconclusive. If I were looking at these
(09:41):
results without the knowledge of your complaints, I would say there was nothing to
indicate anything was wrong. That sometimeshappens, As I said, these tests
were only meant to establish a baseline, So you don't know anything more about
what's going on than when we firstmet. And now two sessions are wasted,
(10:01):
spat Kotsuki. Oh, I wouldn'tsay that, well, I would.
Ignoring the last exchange, Herbert asked, has anyone in your family experienced
anything similar to what you are experiencing. I don't know, why do you
ask? Well, sometimes mental conditionsrun in families, mental conditions, asked
(10:24):
Kotsuki. I'm not saying there aremental conditions in your family, soothed Herbert,
But it is always helpful to knowfamily history. Perhaps as an assignment,
you could do some research, talkto your relatives and see if anyone
has had similar experiences to yours andwhat came of it. Tad will schedule
your next visit visit three. Soto close today's session, said Herbert.
(10:52):
Do you remember the assignment I gaveyou the last time we met, Yes,
answered Kotsuki. Did you talk withanyone? Yes, you're being a
little passive aggressive today, said Herbert. Yes, okay, did you find
out anything of interest? Sosabo saidshe knew what was happening to me,
(11:13):
answered Katsuki so so Bo. Whois that? My great grandmother? She
emigrated from Tona as a little girl. Where is Tono? Tona is a
small farming village in northern Japan.So what did she have to say,
(11:33):
asked Herbert. She's said unpossessed bya baku? Did you say? She
said, you're possessed by a bako? A baku b a k u,
huffed Katsuki. Sosabo said the bakuwere created from the spare pieces that were
left over when the gods finished creatingall other animals. She said, they're
dream eaters. Sometimes they're benevolent othertimes they can be evil. Okay,
(12:00):
that's very interesting at all, ButI was hoping for something more concrete,
concrete, like what like if membersof your family ever had similar experiences to
yours? Did you were so sobow tell you about this back who when
you were little? Maybe she planteda seed in your adolescent psyche. Oh
(12:22):
no, the old ones do notspeak freely of such creatures for fear of
disturbing them. This was the firsttime I ever heard of it, so
supposed said it definitely is evil.When she described it, I recognized it
immediately as what I've seen and thatit was real. What is it you've
seen the back who? You've seenthe back Who? This is new information?
(12:46):
Why haven't you mentioned this before?Or did you just think this up?
Oh? I didn't just think thisup, protested Katsuki. You see,
sometimes I think I dream, I'mawake when it comes I thought maybe
it was just part of a baddream. However, after hearing Sourceable describe
it, I know it's real.So what does this backhoo thing look like?
(13:11):
Well, it has the body ofa frog, wings and claws like
a bird, and a human likehead with black eyes that never shut.
Its skin is modeled and from itsmouth pale tentacles, writhe out, wrapping
tight around my face and arms whileit feeds. Herbert rolled his eyes.
(13:31):
That's a pretty fantastic creature, You'llhave to admit. Still, it could
just be a recurring dream image.Oh, I've got photos, Katzuki shot
back, photos of what the backhoo. I can find any number on the
internet. Not real photos, mindyou, but drawings and paintings. No,
(13:52):
not photos of the baku, butphotos of what it does to me.
Katsuki fumbled in her clutch and broughtout her cell phone. She tapped
on the screen and handed it toHerbert. I took these this morning,
she said. Herbert examined the photosfor a few minutes. I see a
photo of you with a number oflines, creases, and indentations on your
face and arms. This is easilyexplained. This happens frequently while we're sleeping
(14:18):
as a result of lying on wrinkledsheets and pillowcases. Not much of a
case to prove the existence of yourback. Who I'm afraid, but I
tell you it's true. Why won'tyou believe me? Pleaded Katzuki. Ignoring
her question, Herbert continued maybe nextsession we can try some hypnotherapy. It's
a translike state in which you haveheightened focus and concentration. It can prove
(14:43):
to be an effective method for copingwith stress and anxiety. No drugs,
just verbal repetition and mental imaging.When you're under hypnosis, you'll feel calm
and relaxed and more open to suggestions. TAD will get you scheduled visit four.
(15:03):
Well, you may not think we'vemade much progress with the hypnotherapy today,
puffed Herbert, but I think abreakthrough is coming very soon. You're
right, barbed Kotzuki, I don'tthink we've made any progress. Well,
then we can try some medication toreduce your anxiety. Won't that stuff make
(15:24):
me dull? Beg your pardon,but I don't want to walk around like
a zombie. That's as bad aswhat's happening to me now. What I
want is to be rid of thebaku wants and for all. Frankly,
I can't see that I have accomplishedanything of value through four visits. Please
don't give up at this point,Kotsuki. It's oftentimes when things seem most
(15:46):
hopeless that the major breakthroughs are justaround the corner. I wouldn't want all
the work we've accomplished to go fornaught, just when, in my opinion,
the foundation for true progress has beenbuilt. What does any of that
mean, demanded Katzuki. You justsuggested medication to dope me up, and
(16:08):
then in the same breath you tellme I'm ready for a breakthrough. I
don't think you know anything about what'sgoing on with me. Unfortunately, that's
the way it goes sometimes with therapy. One step forward, two steps back,
Herbert stopped and wrinkled his brow.No, whoops, I meant two
(16:29):
steps forward and one step back.You know what I mean? Yes,
I do. I think you hadit right the first time. Don't forget
to check out with tad visit five. I was hoping we would have made
more headway during today's session. SideHerbert, I see you are still lapped
(16:52):
on tight to the notion that thisback who is the source of your troubles.
It seems like you have more confidencein your so sobo than a trained
health professional. Would you be willingat least to consider that your recollections of
this creature are dreams themselves? Itold you before the Baco is real,
(17:14):
not a dream, said Kotsuki.So Sobo said so, and I know
so well. I hoped we couldhave avoided a confrontation on this. But
in deference to your claims and thoseof your so Sobo, I've done my
research, snipped Herbert. And thereis no evidence whatsoever that back who exist.
(17:34):
They are myths, creatures of Japanesefolklore. Legend has it that if
you wake up from a nightmare,you can call on the back who to
take it away. Even little childrenwere encouraged to summon these back who to
eat their bad dreams. Did yourso sobo share that with you? I
don't think so. I think sherelated a fairy tale her parents used to
(17:56):
tell her when she was a child. I know this is hard for you,
but you will not get well untilyou accept this reality. Sosabo would
not tell me fairy tales when I'mhurting so much. My baku is not
a fairy tale. It's real anddevouring every thought inside my head. You're
(18:17):
asking me to make a professional diagnosison the basis of a silly Asian fairy
tale designed to frighten little children,wind Herbert. We can't make any progress
if you insist on clinging to thisfantasy. I think we've done enough for
today. Think on what you've said, and we'll pick this up in our
next session. Don't forget to seeTad on your way out visit six.
(18:42):
Kotsuki bounced into the room and tookher usual place on the sofa. You
look pretty chipper today, said Herbert. I was a bit worried when you
called Tad and said you had anurgent need to see me today. What
do you want? You're right,Herbie, I guess you could call me
chipper if that means my baku isno longer an issue for me. You're
(19:03):
telling me you're back. Who isgone? Yes? And I'm not being
passive aggressive. It's a simple yes, the bak who is gone? Really,
that's good to hear, said Herbert. What happened to bring this about?
I spoke with Sosabo? What elsedid she have to say? Did
she come up with some folk remedyto banish your back? Who, in
(19:29):
a manner of speaking, answered Katsuki, Well, I'm all yours, Sosabo
said. If a baku remains hungryafter eating one's nightmare, it may also
devour their hopes and desires as well. Leaving them to live an empty life.
That's what happened to me. Shewent on to say, it seems
some baku have an insatiable hunger.In fact, they are undeniably gluttonous when
(19:53):
it comes down to it. That'swhen she told me what to do.
And what was that? So Bosaid, All I need to do is
to show my baku a more plentifulsource of dreams on which to feast,
And you accomplished that. I suredid so, I won't need your services
anymore, Herbie. You see,just before I came here, I put
(20:15):
it in my mind that there wasanother who knew more about dreams than anyone.
My baku took the bait, andnow it's gone. I suggest that
you prepare yourself for a visit fromwhom. Oh you'll figure it out Eventually.
Herbert sat motionless, eyes glazed over. Herbie. Did you hear what
(20:40):
I said? Asked Kotzuki. Herbertjerked his hand in front of his face,
as if batting at a fly,and blinked his eyes. I apologize,
I thought I saw something, hemumbled. Then my mind suddenly went
blank. I love how that storyunfolds. Therapy and therapists are so full
(21:04):
of stereotypes, but those stereotypes arealso based on many real life experiences.
I know people who have had nightmareswith a therapist and would have wished to
have a baku eat up that nightmarememory. I think therapy has come such
a long way over the last fewdecades, so please don't see this story
as a reason not to trust atherapist. But if you have a therapist
(21:29):
who is as incurious and arrogant asthis one, yeah, go in search
of another. And that's one reasonwhy I really loved this story. I
like stories where people get what theydeserve, especially if it's of the supernatural
kind. So thank you Paul forsuch an entertaining story. And next week
is another story with relevance to modernlife and events, where a new friend
(21:52):
reveals just how important friendships can be. Please subscribe to the kaiton Kai on
your favorite podcast platform so that youdon't miss a single story, and please
tell your friends and family about thekaidon Kai. We are almost at sixty
two thousand downloads, and now thatautumn is here and people are returning to
their usual lives, let's give themsomething unique and interesting to listen to,
(22:18):
and this autumn the kaidon Kai doesjust that with an array of amazing,
wonderful, scary, interesting, funnystories, So please tune in. Thank
you for listening today, I'll seeyou next week.
Hello, and welcome to the Kaiteon Kai, where we read a story
about the supernatural every week. I'myour host, Linda Gould, and I
am so happy to present today's story, six Visits by Paul Stansbury. If
you've been listening this month, andI hope you have been, you may
have noticed a theme in this month'sstories. They're all commentary on modern life.
(00:39):
Contrition is about the horrors that soldiersdo and face during war, and
that made me think of, well, any of the modern wars that are
going on, but in particular thewar in Ukraine, and Monday's story related
to terrorism and white supremacy. Today'sstory offers an interesting perspective on science versus
legend or folklore, and that's throughvisits to a psychologist counselor So are the
(01:03):
terrible fears and experiences of a youngwoman real or imagined? And can only
a psychologist help? Paul Stansbury isa lifelong native of Kentucky. His speculative
fiction stories have appeared in a numberof print anthologies and online publications, and
he's the author of multiple books,including the Inversion series. See the episode
(01:26):
description for a list of all ofhis books and his full bio and now
here is six visits by Paul Stansbury. Enjoy visit one. Something has been
sucking my dreams and thoughts from myhead at night for quite some time,
(01:47):
said Katsuki, wiping a tear away. Now it has started happening during the
day. She eyed the paunchy,balding man sitting behind a cluttered desk.
The office was cramped, replaced withtwenty year old decor. Honestly, i
haven't slept properly in months now.I'm starting to blank out when I'm awake.
(02:08):
I'm worn out. I feel I'velost my creativity. Doctor Getul,
I don't know if I'm going completelyinsane or not. Actually, I'm not
a doctor. I'm a licensed socialworker. You can call me Herbert if
you like. Nonetheless, you've cometo the right place, he assured,
looking up from the file folder onhis desk at the petite, young Asian
(02:30):
woman. Her face was drawn,making the dark circles under her eyes more
pronounced. She sat on the edgeof the chair, fumbling with her clutch.
I've dealt with the dream disorders ofhundreds, if not thousands, of
clients, probably the most of anyonearound this area. You might say,
dream disorders are my specialty. Youwere referred here by doctor Tarradash for parisandia.
(02:55):
He asked, Katsuki dabbed at hereyes with a tissue. Yes.
I didn't know where to start,so I started with my general practitioner.
Herbert held up a sheet of paperfrom the folder, examining it through his
thick glasses. Doctor Taradash reports thatyou complained of trouble concentrating, fatigue,
(03:16):
feelings of guilt, loss of interestin hobbies, and loss of appetite.
If a client comes to me withsuch complaints, I will assume it can
only be a result of psychological orphysical conditions I see. Doctor Taradash ordered
a full battery of tests to determineif there were any physical conditions which would
cause your symptoms. Oh yeah,she ran everything she could think of,
(03:39):
but she couldn't find any definitive physicalreason for what's happening to me. It's
evident from her notes, said Herbert. She didn't test for psychological conditions such
as post traumatic stress disorder, insomniaor the like. Doctor Taradash said what
I described sounded like sleep terrors,disorders, or something she called nocturnal cognitive
(04:02):
arousals. Katsuki giggled. She saidthat last one had nothing to do with
sex. So in the end,she said, I should see someone who
specializes in dream disorders. I checkedthe internet and you were the nearest one.
A sterling recommendation, grumbled Herbert.How long will this take? Keep
(04:25):
in mind that therapy isn't like gettinga prescription for antibiotics. Take it for
two weeks and that's it. Thataside, I think we can make significant
progress in six visits. But beforewe get down to business, why don't
you sit over there, he said, pointing to a well worn sofa on
the other side of the room,and make yourself comfortable. Clients find it
(04:47):
more relaxing than that straight back you'resitting on. Okay, said Kotzuki.
She moved over to the sofa andsat down. Herbert picked up a legal
pad before plopping down in a clubchair next to her. So where were
we, Herbert asked, Oh?Yes, Therapy isn't something one can quantify.
What I mean is one can't readilysay it will take this many or
(05:12):
that many sessions and then everything willbe okay. Do you understand? I
guess so Kotzegi tugged at her earand looked away. Good. Now that
we've settled that, you say you'velost your creativity, What is it that
you do. I'm a producer fora content creation studio that helps build brands.
We launch products and expand our clientsreach hm. I bet that pays
(05:36):
well, said Herbert. Huh,not as much as you might think,
said Kotzuki. After paying off studentloans and living in the city, there
isn't much left over. I guessthere's a lot of stress in a job
like that. M No more thanmost other jobs, countered Kotzugi. I
(05:57):
already talked with doctor Tyradash about that. Any relationship issues, asked Herbert.
Boyfriend troubles, No, girlfriend troubles, no, parent troubles. No.
The reason I ask, Herbert,explained, is the fact that dreams may
be ways of confronting stressful emotional circumstancesin your life, and when you sleep,
(06:19):
the brain operates at a higher emotionallevel. Consequently, the brain may
make connections regarding feelings that the consciousself wouldn't make. It is interesting that
you cite losing creativity. One theoryis that dreaming helps facilitate our creative tendencies.
(06:39):
Artists have claimed some of their mostcreative work came from dreams. People
have what we call the logic filter, which is present when we are awake.
It can restrict your creative flow.On the other hand, your thoughts
and ideas have no restrictions when you'resleeping. What that means in your particular
case is yet to be determined,but may speak to the parisomnia suggested by
(07:02):
doctor Tarradash. Well, the onlystressful thing in my life, huffed Kotzugi,
eyes glaring at Herbert, is thefact that something is getting inside my
head. If that's what you mean, then I agree. My question to
you is are you going to helpme find out what it is and help
me get rid of it? Herbertstroked his chin, searching for an answer.
(07:27):
Well, whatever it is, wewill certainly work together to determine its
nature and origin, and through discoveryeventually map out a strategy to deal with
it. First thing is to orderup a battery of psychological tests and assessments
so I can establish a baseline.First, doctor tarradash, Now you said,
(07:48):
kotzugy test this test that this istaking too much time. I'm going
crazy while you're giving me tests tests? Are we talking about h Well,
for starters, I suggest a rorshocktat, an MMPI, then the back
Depression Inventory PTSD, symptom scale interview, and an insomnia questionnaire. There are
(08:13):
some others that we can use ifnecessary. What are all of these tests
going to tell you? Asked Katsukias I said, they will establish a
baseline from which we can begin todelve into what is going on with you.
When will we get around to gettingrid of whatever it is that's sucking
the life out of me? Ican't go on like this much longer.
(08:37):
Herbert wrote something on a form andhanded it to her. If it's okay
with you, I suggest a followup session after the testing and assessments.
Give this to Tad at the receptiondesk and he'll schedule a time for your
tests and next visit visit too.So that concludes my explanation of the results
(08:58):
of your valuations and tests, saidHerbert. Do you have any questions?
He had been droning on for thebetter part of an hour, discussing an
endless array of graphs and tables,Even the comfort of the sofa couldn't keep
Kotsuki from squirming. Yes, Isee all the graphs and tables, said
Kotsuki, not that they tell meanything I didn't know before I spent half
(09:20):
a day taking them. You haveyet to tell me how any of these,
she said, slamming the test resultson the table explain what's eating away
at me and how I get ridof it? Well, stammered Herbert,
in a nutshell, the results areinconclusive. If I were looking at these
(09:41):
results without the knowledge of your complaints, I would say there was nothing to
indicate anything was wrong. That sometimeshappens, As I said, these tests
were only meant to establish a baseline, So you don't know anything more about
what's going on than when we firstmet. And now two sessions are wasted,
(10:01):
spat Kotsuki. Oh, I wouldn'tsay that, well, I would.
Ignoring the last exchange, Herbert asked, has anyone in your family experienced
anything similar to what you are experiencing. I don't know, why do you
ask? Well, sometimes mental conditionsrun in families, mental conditions, asked
(10:24):
Kotsuki. I'm not saying there aremental conditions in your family, soothed Herbert,
But it is always helpful to knowfamily history. Perhaps as an assignment,
you could do some research, talkto your relatives and see if anyone
has had similar experiences to yours andwhat came of it. Tad will schedule
your next visit visit three. Soto close today's session, said Herbert.
(10:52):
Do you remember the assignment I gaveyou the last time we met, Yes,
answered Kotsuki. Did you talk withanyone? Yes, you're being a
little passive aggressive today, said Herbert. Yes, okay, did you find
out anything of interest? Sosabo saidshe knew what was happening to me,
(11:13):
answered Katsuki so so Bo. Whois that? My great grandmother? She
emigrated from Tona as a little girl. Where is Tono? Tona is a
small farming village in northern Japan.So what did she have to say,
(11:33):
asked Herbert. She's said unpossessed bya baku? Did you say? She
said, you're possessed by a bako? A baku b a k u,
huffed Katsuki. Sosabo said the bakuwere created from the spare pieces that were
left over when the gods finished creatingall other animals. She said, they're
dream eaters. Sometimes they're benevolent othertimes they can be evil. Okay,
(12:00):
that's very interesting at all, ButI was hoping for something more concrete,
concrete, like what like if membersof your family ever had similar experiences to
yours? Did you were so sobow tell you about this back who when
you were little? Maybe she planteda seed in your adolescent psyche. Oh
(12:22):
no, the old ones do notspeak freely of such creatures for fear of
disturbing them. This was the firsttime I ever heard of it, so
supposed said it definitely is evil.When she described it, I recognized it
immediately as what I've seen and thatit was real. What is it you've
seen the back who? You've seenthe back Who? This is new information?
(12:46):
Why haven't you mentioned this before?Or did you just think this up?
Oh? I didn't just think thisup, protested Katsuki. You see,
sometimes I think I dream, I'mawake when it comes I thought maybe
it was just part of a baddream. However, after hearing Sourceable describe
it, I know it's real.So what does this backhoo thing look like?
(13:11):
Well, it has the body ofa frog, wings and claws like
a bird, and a human likehead with black eyes that never shut.
Its skin is modeled and from itsmouth pale tentacles, writhe out, wrapping
tight around my face and arms whileit feeds. Herbert rolled his eyes.
(13:31):
That's a pretty fantastic creature, You'llhave to admit. Still, it could
just be a recurring dream image.Oh, I've got photos, Katzuki shot
back, photos of what the backhoo. I can find any number on the
internet. Not real photos, mindyou, but drawings and paintings. No,
(13:52):
not photos of the baku, butphotos of what it does to me.
Katsuki fumbled in her clutch and broughtout her cell phone. She tapped
on the screen and handed it toHerbert. I took these this morning,
she said. Herbert examined the photosfor a few minutes. I see a
photo of you with a number oflines, creases, and indentations on your
face and arms. This is easilyexplained. This happens frequently while we're sleeping
(14:18):
as a result of lying on wrinkledsheets and pillowcases. Not much of a
case to prove the existence of yourback. Who I'm afraid, but I
tell you it's true. Why won'tyou believe me? Pleaded Katzuki. Ignoring
her question, Herbert continued maybe nextsession we can try some hypnotherapy. It's
a translike state in which you haveheightened focus and concentration. It can prove
(14:43):
to be an effective method for copingwith stress and anxiety. No drugs,
just verbal repetition and mental imaging.When you're under hypnosis, you'll feel calm
and relaxed and more open to suggestions. TAD will get you scheduled visit four.
(15:03):
Well, you may not think we'vemade much progress with the hypnotherapy today,
puffed Herbert, but I think abreakthrough is coming very soon. You're
right, barbed Kotzuki, I don'tthink we've made any progress. Well,
then we can try some medication toreduce your anxiety. Won't that stuff make
(15:24):
me dull? Beg your pardon,but I don't want to walk around like
a zombie. That's as bad aswhat's happening to me now. What I
want is to be rid of thebaku wants and for all. Frankly,
I can't see that I have accomplishedanything of value through four visits. Please
don't give up at this point,Kotsuki. It's oftentimes when things seem most
(15:46):
hopeless that the major breakthroughs are justaround the corner. I wouldn't want all
the work we've accomplished to go fornaught, just when, in my opinion,
the foundation for true progress has beenbuilt. What does any of that
mean, demanded Katzuki. You justsuggested medication to dope me up, and
(16:08):
then in the same breath you tellme I'm ready for a breakthrough. I
don't think you know anything about what'sgoing on with me. Unfortunately, that's
the way it goes sometimes with therapy. One step forward, two steps back,
Herbert stopped and wrinkled his brow.No, whoops, I meant two
(16:29):
steps forward and one step back.You know what I mean? Yes,
I do. I think you hadit right the first time. Don't forget
to check out with tad visit five. I was hoping we would have made
more headway during today's session. SideHerbert, I see you are still lapped
(16:52):
on tight to the notion that thisback who is the source of your troubles.
It seems like you have more confidencein your so sobo than a trained
health professional. Would you be willingat least to consider that your recollections of
this creature are dreams themselves? Itold you before the Baco is real,
(17:14):
not a dream, said Kotsuki.So Sobo said so, and I know
so well. I hoped we couldhave avoided a confrontation on this. But
in deference to your claims and thoseof your so Sobo, I've done my
research, snipped Herbert. And thereis no evidence whatsoever that back who exist.
(17:34):
They are myths, creatures of Japanesefolklore. Legend has it that if
you wake up from a nightmare,you can call on the back who to
take it away. Even little childrenwere encouraged to summon these back who to
eat their bad dreams. Did yourso sobo share that with you? I
don't think so. I think sherelated a fairy tale her parents used to
(17:56):
tell her when she was a child. I know this is hard for you,
but you will not get well untilyou accept this reality. Sosabo would
not tell me fairy tales when I'mhurting so much. My baku is not
a fairy tale. It's real anddevouring every thought inside my head. You're
(18:17):
asking me to make a professional diagnosison the basis of a silly Asian fairy
tale designed to frighten little children,wind Herbert. We can't make any progress
if you insist on clinging to thisfantasy. I think we've done enough for
today. Think on what you've said, and we'll pick this up in our
next session. Don't forget to seeTad on your way out visit six.
(18:42):
Kotsuki bounced into the room and tookher usual place on the sofa. You
look pretty chipper today, said Herbert. I was a bit worried when you
called Tad and said you had anurgent need to see me today. What
do you want? You're right,Herbie, I guess you could call me
chipper if that means my baku isno longer an issue for me. You're
(19:03):
telling me you're back. Who isgone? Yes? And I'm not being
passive aggressive. It's a simple yes, the bak who is gone? Really,
that's good to hear, said Herbert. What happened to bring this about?
I spoke with Sosabo? What elsedid she have to say? Did
she come up with some folk remedyto banish your back? Who, in
(19:29):
a manner of speaking, answered Katsuki, Well, I'm all yours, Sosabo
said. If a baku remains hungryafter eating one's nightmare, it may also
devour their hopes and desires as well. Leaving them to live an empty life.
That's what happened to me. Shewent on to say, it seems
some baku have an insatiable hunger.In fact, they are undeniably gluttonous when
(19:53):
it comes down to it. That'swhen she told me what to do.
And what was that? So Bosaid, All I need to do is
to show my baku a more plentifulsource of dreams on which to feast,
And you accomplished that. I suredid so, I won't need your services
anymore, Herbie. You see,just before I came here, I put
(20:15):
it in my mind that there wasanother who knew more about dreams than anyone.
My baku took the bait, andnow it's gone. I suggest that
you prepare yourself for a visit fromwhom. Oh you'll figure it out Eventually.
Herbert sat motionless, eyes glazed over. Herbie. Did you hear what
(20:40):
I said? Asked Kotzuki. Herbertjerked his hand in front of his face,
as if batting at a fly,and blinked his eyes. I apologize,
I thought I saw something, hemumbled. Then my mind suddenly went
blank. I love how that storyunfolds. Therapy and therapists are so full
(21:04):
of stereotypes, but those stereotypes arealso based on many real life experiences.
I know people who have had nightmareswith a therapist and would have wished to
have a baku eat up that nightmarememory. I think therapy has come such
a long way over the last fewdecades, so please don't see this story
as a reason not to trust atherapist. But if you have a therapist
(21:29):
who is as incurious and arrogant asthis one, yeah, go in search
of another. And that's one reasonwhy I really loved this story. I
like stories where people get what theydeserve, especially if it's of the supernatural
kind. So thank you Paul forsuch an entertaining story. And next week
is another story with relevance to modernlife and events, where a new friend
(21:52):
reveals just how important friendships can be. Please subscribe to the kaiton Kai on
your favorite podcast platform so that youdon't miss a single story, and please
tell your friends and family about thekaidon Kai. We are almost at sixty
two thousand downloads, and now thatautumn is here and people are returning to
their usual lives, let's give themsomething unique and interesting to listen to,
(22:18):
and this autumn the kaidon Kai doesjust that with an array of amazing,
wonderful, scary, interesting, funnystories, So please tune in. Thank
you for listening today, I'll seeyou next week.
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