Gemotions

The aroma of lavender and sandalwood hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the musty smell of the school gymnasium where she'd been ridiculed. He stood outside the office, the door labeled: Dr. Emily Carter, LPC. He felt a sharp, almost physical pang of…something.

He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. He'd been experiencing bouts of crippling depression, and this was his final, desperate attempt to find relief. But the thought of confiding in the girl who had once orchestrated his public humiliation filled him with a potent mixture of dread and resentment.

He took a deep breath, steeling himself. He knew this was important. But even as he raised his hand to knock, he could feel a familiar tremor starting in his fingers.