Gemotions

The world felt muted, a dull grey. Liam found himself moving through life on autopilot. Getting out of bed was an ordeal. He skipped meals, lost his appetite. Simple tasks felt like monumental efforts. He’d lost interest in his hobbies, the things that once brought him joy. His friends kept calling, but he couldn't find the energy to answer.

The therapist’s office, a cozy space with overstuffed armchairs, should have been comforting. Instead, the sight of the woman behind the desk sent a wave of nausea washing over him. It was Susan, the girl who’d made his life a misery in high school. The queen bee, who had always reveled in his suffering.

"Liam," she greeted him with a polite smile, "Please, have a seat." The smile felt brittle, fake.

"I understand you've been having a difficult time," she said. The phrase hung in the air, heavy with unspoken history. He felt the familiar sting of shame, the urge to retreat.