Gemotions

The crisp autumn air nipped at Liam's cheeks as he walked out of Dr. Harrison’s office. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the scent of fallen leaves and woodsmoke. He felt a newfound spring in his step, an urge to skip, even. It was ridiculous, he knew, but he couldn't help it.

He used to dread even the thought of running into Mark Harrison, the bully who'd made Liam's school years a living hell. Now, Mark – Dr. Harrison – listened with genuine empathy as Liam recounted the anxieties that had plagued him. The burden of years of pent-up feelings had begun to diminish. Liam noticed his shoulders were no longer perpetually hunched.

“I’m going to go for a hike,” he decided aloud, the words bursting from him like a released balloon.