Gemotions

The sterile white walls of the therapist's office seemed to close in on Daniel as he heard Chloe’s account. Chloe was relating their disastrous attempt to start a business. Her story was filled with humor, a self-deprecating recounting of their shared failures.

Daniel shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his hands clasped tightly in his lap. Chloe was joking about it, remembering the excitement of the beginning.

Daniel, however, remembered the crippling stress, the financial strain, the devastating blow to his confidence. He recalled the sleepless nights and the constant worry. She knew what he felt, so she tried to lighten the mood.

“Well, we gave it a shot, didn’t we?” Chloe said, chuckling.

Daniel managed a weak smile. “Yeah, we did.”