Gemotions

Michael adjusted his tie, suddenly finding the collar too tight. He'd been expecting a simple assessment, but now, sitting across from Derek, the boy who'd terrorized him in middle school, everything felt scrambled. Derek, with his practiced empathy and calming voice, was observing him with a strange… softness. His knuckles were white as he clenched his hands in his lap.

“So, Michael,” Derek said, his voice a low rumble, “Tell me what brings you in today.”

Michael tried to speak, but the words caught in his throat. He cleared his throat. It was not enough. He felt a prickling sensation at the base of his neck, and a building pressure that focused itself between his legs. This was not supposed to be happening.

He fumbled with the buttons of his jacket, trying to create some space.