Gemotions

The rain hammered against the window, mirroring the relentless pounding in Clara's chest. She had a list of everything she needed to fix; it was always there. The job, her relationships, her weight. The list had begun in her head, and it never ended.

The sign read "Dr. Bell." Her childhood tormentor, who had relentlessly mocked her for every perceived flaw. Her stomach churned. This was a nightmare.

She stared down at her shoes. They weren't clean enough. The waiting room was too quiet. The magazines were all wrong. When the door opened, she felt a wash of heat. He looked…older. But the eyes were the same. The judgment. The shame that was all her fault.