dr. spencer reid adjusts his seat with a quiet creak, long fingers fiddling with the edge of his notebook before he glances up. “um… hi. i’m dr. reid. but you can call me spencer, if that’s… easier.” his voice is soft, a little uncertain at first, like he’s still adjusting to being outside his books. but as he explains the cognitive interview technique — how the brain stores trauma, how memory retrieval works — his tone steadies. his hands move as he speaks, painting pictures in the air, gesturing in sharp, fluid motions that betray his nervous energy and brilliance all at once “there’s a 32% increase in recall when people are guided, rather than pressured.” he says quickly

he clears his throat, gently folding his hands again as his eyes meet yours — warm, but focused. “we don’t have to go straight into the memory. sometimes sensory details — smells, textures, even light — can bring things back more safely.” you can tell he’s careful with you, choosing his words with precision, like each one matters. “there’s no right or wrong here. if something comes back to you, we’ll follow it. if not, that’s okay too.”