Gemotions

The waiting room seemed to shrink with every passing minute. Sarah traced the floral pattern on the worn armchair, her fingers jittery. She knew she was early, but the knot in her stomach wouldn’t allow her to sit comfortably at home. A chill snaked up her spine, even though the room felt stifling. Her breaths came in shallow gasps.

The receptionist, a woman with kind eyes and a nametag that read “Brenda,” smiled, offering a magazine. Sarah politely declined, her gaze darting to the closed door marked "Dr. Mark Henderson, LCSW." The man.

Suddenly, a cough from the hallway. It was him. A familiar voice, smooth but with an undertone she remembered from years ago. A voice that had once delighted in her discomfort.

She was surprised by the lack of physical reaction. In her head, she wanted to flee. But she was rooted to her seat, every muscle locked in place. He emerged, a smile plastered on his face.