Gemotions

The waiting room smelled faintly of lavender and disappointment. A framed watercolor painting of a sailboat hung crookedly on the wall. Amelia ran a hand through her already messy bun, tugging at a stray strand. *Him?* She couldn't believe it. Years of avoiding Kevin, the bane of her existence in elementary school, and now she was sitting here, waiting for him. Her stomach churned. He was supposed to be a jerk, not a...professional listener. She tapped a fingernail on the armrest of the uncomfortable chair.

*Knock, knock.* The door to the office opened, and a woman with kind eyes and a welcoming smile emerged. “Amelia?” she asked, a gentle tone to her voice. Amelia just wanted to leave.

“He's ready for you now," the woman continued. Amelia sighed, a sound of profound deflation, and rose to her feet. This was going to be a long hour.