Gemotions

He'd been avoiding this for weeks, the brochure for the practice gathering dust on his desk. He’d recognized the name, of course. “Dr. Emily Carter.” He remembered the girl who'd delighted in tripping him in the hallways. The thought of divulging his deepest anxieties to her was mortifying. He finally made the call out of desperation.

The waiting room was unexpectedly cozy, filled with comfortable armchairs and soft music. He felt a small degree of relief, until the door opened.

"David?" Emily Carter, now Emily something-else, was standing in the doorway, a calm smile on her face. He felt his face flush. He didn't want to go in. He felt his feet drag as he followed her.

Her office was brightly lit, almost aggressively cheerful. "Come in, have a seat," she said. He sat, feeling acutely aware of his posture, his fidgety hands. He crossed his arms and looked at the framed diplomas on the wall. They looked official.