Gemotions

The parking garage was poorly lit and smelled of exhaust fumes. He had been so close to turning back. The knot in his stomach only tightened as he walked through the waiting room. The air was thick with the scent of sanitizers and artificial fragrance. He found himself tapping his foot, his gaze darting from one object to another.

The receptionist called his name, and the sound seemed to echo in the cavernous space. He felt a surge of heat rush through his veins. He stood up slowly, every muscle in his body tense. He had known this session would be difficult, but he hadn’t anticipated this.

He saw the nameplate as he entered the office and felt a jolt of anger. The person he was supposed to pour his soul out to? The person who, as a child, had been nothing but cruel? He clenched his jaw, determined to get through this, even though every instinct screamed at him to run.