Gemotions

I walked into the university's counseling center, a place I had always considered to be for other people. The air inside smelled of stale coffee and forced cheerfulness. I sat in a hard chair, the plastic cold against my skin. The accusations swirled in my mind, a relentless tempest. It all felt like a bad dream.

The counselor spoke, offering platitudes and reassurances. I nodded, pretending to listen, but the words bounced off me, meaningless. I couldn't explain how I felt. I couldn’t articulate the vast, empty space that had consumed me. I felt numb.

The walk home felt endless. The sun was blinding, the sounds of the city deafening. I felt like an imposter. I didn’t deserve the sunshine or the life I had. I just wanted to go to bed and stay there forever.