Gemotions

She tried to be casual, tried to meet his gaze, but it felt impossible. His office was minimalist, all clean lines and soft lighting, a stark contrast to the chaos of her own life. She had hoped time would heal the damage, but facing him brought back the burning shame.

She crossed her arms, a shield against the questions she knew were coming. Her voice was too loud, too brittle as she spoke, and she caught herself fidgeting with her ring.

The silence that followed was deafening, each second a reminder of her past. She felt like a child, caught in the principal's office, waiting for the inevitable reprimand.