Gemotions

Michael stared at the business card clutched in his sweaty hand. “Dr. Emily Carter, Licensed Clinical Psychologist.” Underneath, a photo of his childhood tormentor, radiating compassion. He ran his thumb over the glossy surface, the smoothness of the paper a stark contrast to the rough edges of his memory. He'd been looking for help for weeks, and now this.

He considered crumpling the card, tearing it to shreds. The knot in his chest tightened. He imagined her sitting in that plush office chair, listening patiently, the picture of empathy, while he bled out his insecurities.

He almost wanted to go, just to see if she remembered. Just to see if she was still capable of the cruelty she had been so good at. Perhaps that was the point of all this.