Chapter 2257 - Late Autumn in the Golden City (Part 10)_2

But ever since moving to Gotham, she often felt unhappy. In her free time, she would ruminate over many things and even experienced a strong aversion to certain matters. This has undoubtedly seriously affected her professionalism, and the fact that she could not keep up with Catwoman was the most glaring sign of decline in her capabilities.

"What do you think is the matter?" Talya asked, frown creasing her forehead.

"Perhaps this is the real you. Don't look at me like that, I'm not a psychologist. If you really feel uncomfortable, you should consider going for a psychological consultation."

"What a terrifying suggestion." Talya sighed earnestly, "If a hitman starts seeing a psychologist, it means they are finished."

"But it's not because you fear killing or feeling guilty." Pamela shrugged, "Noticeable mood swings might be signs of a hyperactive phase. They won't drag you down into depression or pain, but they will always be there, lingering like a shadow."

Pamela finished her coffee, sucked hard on the straw, making an irritating noise, and then said, "You're always trying to avoid being controlled by anyone, even your father. But your emotions could be manipulating you more subtly and pervasively, so much so that you are oblivious about it."

"Now, for some reason, this manipulation is more obvious. I'm guessing, this is purely conjecture, that your decision to reproduce may have more profound effects on your body than you could ever imagine."

"As the saying goes - Opportunity favors the prepared. This applies biologically too. Our psychology often influences our body in myriad ways. When you decide that you want a child, your hormones will ready themselves before your conscience."

Talya's frown deepened. This was not because she disagreed, but rather because she found Pamela's explanation to make sense. All her symptoms started cropping up after she decided to carry out her plan against Bruce Wayne, and even before she arrived in Gotham, there had been indications.

Generally speaking, women are more influenced by hormonal changes, hence why they are typically more emotional. There are studies indicating that hormones affect both mental and physiological aspects. As they continue to fluctuate, you would start to feel unique sensations in both these departments.

"So, how do I make it stop?"

Pamela shook her head and said, "Unless you change your decision, this could continue unendingly. Once you're pregnant, pregnancy hormones will have a more noticeable effect. You'd have to accept all these changes."

Appearing somewhat disturbed, Talya continued to jab at the ice in her cup with her straw, taking small sips of her coffee. After a while, she sighed and asked, "Do you think I should see a psychologist?"

"I didn't expect you to ask that."

"I have no experience dealing with this. For the initial 20 years of my life, what you call 'hormones' were practically dead in me. But now they have suddenly come to life, and I'm finding it difficult to adapt. This can be extremely dangerous for me."

"Because of your father."

Talya looked surprised at Pamela's response, but then she nodded solemnly.

"He is a man, they often find it hard to understand the physical and psychological changes a woman might undergo once she decides to be a mother. I've seen it all happen.

Holding her hand down, Pamela jabbed the ice in her own cup with a straw and said, "My mother wanted a second child, but not in a stable family environment. At that time, I was about to have a very rich stepfather, and the child was a means for him to become my stepfather."

"After she made that decision, she began to change. These changes were something the man didn't understand, and didn't plan on understanding, so they parted ways."

"Although such behavior is not noble, it demonstrates the wisdom of the human race in wanting to establish a stable family before bearing children, because this is the most vulnerable time for mothers."

"And if you plan to skip the family establishment phase and seek no shelter, you should be strong enough, especially if you do not plan on having Bruce Wayne's child, or returning to your father's side for his help. This will definitely be much harder than you think."

"So, you suggest I should go?"

"While you have skipped many steps, there is a precedent to follow. First, get a physical examination at the hospital, and if you feel emotionally distressed, then regularly visit a psychologist."

Talya covered her eyes and said, "This should not be happening in my life, its absurd."

"It's too common and ordinary, unlike your tumultuous past twenty years."

Talya took a long sigh and looked into Pamela's eyes and said, "Regarding the choice of psychologist, you must have a bold suggestion."

Pamela laughed and said, "In reality, according to convention, you should look for an older female doctor who has had experience with childbirth. She would be able to empathize with what you're going through."

"But considering the tumult of the first 20 years of your life, if there's anyone who could make the most suitable diagnosis in light of such experience, it would probably be our world-renowned expert in psychology, Professor Shearer."

"And he's partly the culprit for my current situation, him and his students," Talya said reluctantly, almost through gritted teeth.

"You know what he would say. All this began with your decision to become a mother. You're not being manipulated by him, but by your own emotions."

"And you're planning to clear him of all blame?"

"I'm just helping you see the reality of things. Because if you genuinely want him to be your psychologist, you can't spend all your therapy time attacking him. You should focus more on yourself - for the sake of your wallet."

"Does he charge a lot?"

Pamela hesitated unusually.

"Perhaps I shouldn't have suggested this so hastily," she suddenly changed her tone, "I am not quite sure if you can afford his rates."

Feeling slightly insulted, Talya said, "I'm not a fresh graduate. In my line of work, I charge a high price, and I don't just take any job."

"Then let's go to the dinner together. After it's over, you can stay and have a chat with him."

"And then what? Do I go for the treatment?"

"No, you need to gather your courage before that."

"Will the treatment process be horrifying?"

"The bill will be."