Gemotions

The peeling paint of the therapy office’s front door seemed to reflect the chipping away of Sarah’s mental fortitude. Inside, her former tormentor, Kevin, now Dr. Kevin, waited. He'd been the king of the school, arrogant and cruel. He had always enjoyed making others miserable. Her palms were slick with sweat.

She remembered the feeling of being small, insignificant, crushed. The memories were vivid: the shoves, the name-calling, the constant feeling of dread. She’d made every effort to avoid running into Kevin as an adult. Here she was now.

When she walked into the room, he looked up, and smiled. He spoke about his career, the challenges and rewards. There was something in his tone, a quiet acceptance of the past, that took her off guard. She found herself responding in kind. She couldn't understand why, but when he offered her a tissue when she teared up, she had no urge to refuse.