Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the waiting room seemed to buzz in his ears, a maddening, high-pitched whine that amplified the tension. Noah clenched his jaw, trying to control the rapid, shallow breaths that escaped his lips. The air felt thin and difficult to draw in.

He recalled the way Josh used to target him, the humiliating incidents that had chipped away at his confidence. Now, he was supposed to share his vulnerabilities with that very same person? The idea sparked a visceral feeling of repugnance.

He was called inside. Josh's office seemed spacious and calming, but Noah felt suffocated by the memories. He sat down, forcing himself to meet Josh's eye, his body rigid and unresponsive. It was a struggle to speak.