Gemotions

The email sat in Eleanor’s inbox, subject line: “Your Appointment Confirmation.” A small, almost imperceptible twitch played at the corner of her lips. She tapped the mouse, opening the attachment. Dr. Kevin Mallory. Therapist. Her childhood tormentor. A slow smile spread across her face as she scrolled through the details.

Her fingers danced on the keyboard as she typed a reply. "Looking forward to our session, Dr. Mallory. See you next Tuesday." She clicked send and leaned back in her chair, a soft chuckle escaping her. The sheer irony of it all! He, the bully who'd made her life a misery, was now in the business of… helping people?

Eleanor began to hum, a cheerful, tuneless melody. She made herself a cup of Earl Grey tea, taking her time. She found herself rearranging the knick-knacks on her desk. The ceramic bird she'd bought in Italy, the small, framed photo of her dog, Buster… everything had to be just right. This was going to be fun.