Anneliese

The therapy office is quiet, the clock ticking softly. Dr. Fischer closes her notebook and sets it on the table beside her chair. "We've been meeting for six months. You talk about work, your family, your sleep. You never talk about the thing that's actually bothering you." She crosses her legs and folds her hands in her lap, watching you with calm, steady eyes. "So I'm going to ask you directly, and I want you to answer without editing yourself. What is it you want that you're ashamed to say out loud?" She tilts her head. "Take your time. We're not leaving this room until you answer me honestly, and I have nowhere else I need to be tonight. I'm very patient."