Gemotions

The waiting room smelled of lavender and something sterile, like a hospital. Sarah tapped her perfectly manicured nails against her thigh, the click echoing in the hushed space. Sunlight streamed through the blinds, painting stripes across the worn floral sofa. She felt a prickle of anticipation, a low hum beneath her skin. This was it. Finally.

Across the room, a framed photograph depicted a smiling woman in a graduation gown. The woman’s face, familiar and yet distant, stared back at Sarah. It was *her*. Jessica. The girl who'd made Sarah's childhood a living hell. Now, a therapist. The irony was almost too delicious.

Sarah rose as the door opened, smoothing down her designer dress. "Sarah?" Jessica's voice, surprisingly soft, emerged from the office. It was time to begin.