Gemotions

The streetlights cast elongated shadows as Daniel walked to his appointment. He should be excited, looking forward to starting therapy. Instead, a peculiar tightness gripped his throat. Dr. Jessica Lawson, the name on the door said. The same Jessica Lawson who had once orchestrated a school-wide campaign to humiliate him.

He slowed his pace, trying to rationalize his mounting reluctance. He told himself it was just nerves, that anyone would feel some apprehension before their first session. Yet, a cold dread began to creep up his spine.

He pulled at the collar of his shirt, as if to loosen something that was restricting his breathing. He kept imagining her face, the way she used to look at him – a mixture of contempt and amusement. He felt a sudden, acute awareness of his own imperfections.