I came back from checking in with Allen and Lewis today to meet Danit, who seemed to be waiting for me. She smiled. I greeted her, and we talked lightly for a while, though I could tell that there was something on her mind.
Finally she came to the point. “Asa’el, I have been thinking,” she said.
I was right to find these words ominous.
“I wonder if it is not time for Gabrielle to be taken from your case load,” she said. “I’ve looked in on her and Christina, and they seem to be doing very well.”
I was astonished. “But there is so much work left to do. Her family—”
“Gary can be assigned to a Persuasion, who may be more suited to opening his mind than you would be. And the important work is done—not only have you brought a good person into Gabrielle’s life, but you have helped her reach a place where she can accept herself.” She angled her head at me. “Time to quit while you are ahead?”
“Quit,” I repeated flatly. “You’re suggesting I give up.”
“No, of course not. But, Asa’el, Hatsumi has told me how weary you are, how much you are still struggling. We think it will help you to have your burden lightened.”
I feel betrayed, I admit, that Hatsumi would have spoken to Danit about this before she spoke to me. She did mention that she thought I could use an easier workload, but I never thought she would have gone to my seniors without telling me first.
In the end, I only said that I would accept whatever decision my seniors come to. How can I say anything else? If they do not think me capable of my own work, then there is nothing I can say. After all, I think the same thing.