Gemotions

Sarah stared at the name tag: "Mark Jensen, LMFT." The fluorescent lights of the waiting room seemed to hum, amplifying the blood thrumming in her ears. Mark Jensen? There had to be another one. She remembered Mark's hands, always clenched into fists, the way his sneer warped his face. Therapy? This didn't compute. She checked the address again, her fingers tracing the unfamiliar lettering. She felt a knot tighten in her stomach, a sensation akin to swallowing a lead weight.

The receptionist, a woman with a kind smile, called her name. Sarah rose slowly, her legs feeling like they were filled with concrete. This was a mistake. She should have gone to Dr. Ramirez. But her appointment was booked solid for weeks. And now, she was about to face… *him*.

The door to the office closed behind her with a soft click. The air conditioning was on high in the room and the chill felt like ice against her skin.