Gemotions

The sterile smell of the clinic made Leo's stomach churn. He hadn't wanted to come. His sister had practically dragged him there, insisting on a diagnosis. *Just in case*. He slumped in his chair, staring at the blank wall, unwilling to engage. He hated being prodded and poked. It felt like an invasion.

He felt the prickle of a stare. A young woman with bright, intelligent eyes was looking at him. She held a file in her lap, but her gaze lingered on him a moment longer than necessary.

"Are you new here too?" she asked, her voice tinged with a weariness that resonated with him. "Or are you just… here for the party?"

Leo looked away. He didn't want to talk, he didn't want to explain. He just wanted to be left alone.

“I’ve been here before,” he mumbled, avoiding her gaze. He had heard her question as an insult.