Gemotions

John felt a chill crawl up his spine as he stared at the building. *Therapy & Wellness - Dr. Emily Carter*. It was a coincidence, a fluke, but the name sent a jolt of alarm through him. Emily Carter, the girl who had made his school life a living nightmare.

His palms were slick with sweat. He considered turning around, bolting, disappearing. The impulse was almost overwhelming. But he needed help. He needed someone to understand. He took a shaky step forward, then another, the weight of a thousand memories pressing down on him.

He pictured her, her sharp eyes, the way she used words like weapons. He imagined the session, the inevitable power imbalance. He imagined her finding a way to hurt him, even now. His legs felt heavy, as if made of lead. He took a deep, shuddering breath, the air tasting thin and stale.