Gemotions

She loathed the plush carpet beneath her feet. It was too soft, too yielding, much like her relationship with her overbearing mother. Sarah had finally agreed to therapy, a decision made after another fight with her partner. She'd been a mess lately. This whole situation made her nervous, like a small animal caught in a snare.

The door opened, and there was Ethan, her childhood tormentor, looking far more composed than she ever remembered. His eyes, the same ones that had once held such cruel amusement, were now softened, filled with what she hoped was genuine empathy.

She felt a wave of nausea. She'd been a wimp then, and now, here she was again, vulnerable. She immediately lowered her gaze, waiting for him to tell her what to do. His presence immediately put her on edge.

“Take a seat, Sarah,” he said. His voice was calm, measured. She hated the authority in his tone.