Gemotions

Rain hammered against the windowpane, mirroring the drumming in Elias's ears. He fiddled with the strap of his messenger bag, a nervous habit he hadn't been able to shake since childhood. He was supposed to be in a good place, but everything felt fragile. This meeting felt heavier than it should.

He found the address easily enough. The building looked ordinary. He was early and the receptionist was busy. He sat. The lobby was sterile. Finally, his name was called. And then he saw her. The receptionist gestured at a door and said "Dr. Evans will see you now."

The door opened. It was her. The same girl who used to laugh at his clothes, the girl who had made his school years a misery. Her hair was pulled back, she wore glasses now, and her face was softened. “Elias, come in. Have a seat." The room was filled with books and a soft lamp. He sat, his breath catching in his throat.