Gemotions

The clinic’s air conditioning blasted a frigid current across his face, making him shiver despite the summer heat. He tugged at his collar, feeling a suffocating tightness. He had been so sure he’d buried the past. Seeing her name on the doorplate – Dr. Ashley Miller – had unearthed a torrent of memories he’d hoped were gone.

He remembered her laugh, the way she used to taunt him, the cutting things she'd say. He'd never liked her. Now, she was going to be the one to help him? He wanted to turn and run.

When she opened the door, she was different. Older, wiser, maybe. But, those same eyes, those same sharp angles. The greeting felt staged, almost rehearsed. "Mr. Evans, please come in."

He followed her into the office, each step feeling heavy, each breath shallow. He sat down, acutely aware of how the room now felt too small, the walls closing in. He focused on the details around him, trying to distract himself from the rising panic.