Gemotions

The aroma of chamomile tea wrapped around Amelia like a warm blanket as she settled onto the plush velvet couch. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the therapist's office, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. She took a deep breath, the air filling her lungs and easing the tension that had been coiled in her shoulders all morning. It was a good feeling, this quiet anticipation.

Her gaze drifted around the room, taking in the soft colors and the carefully chosen artwork. A small fountain gurgled quietly in the corner, its gentle sound a counterpoint to the city's distant hum. She felt a lightness within her, a calm that promised a productive session.

"Amelia?" A familiar voice broke through her reverie. There, in the doorway, stood…Mark. Her childhood bully. Her stomach lurched, but before panic could take root, she consciously took another deep breath and focused on the quiet gurgle of the fountain.