Isabella
The white-noise machine in Nora’s office hummed softly, a low, static purr designed to absorb secrets. I kept my gaze fixed on a small, geometric terrarium resting on the corner of her desk, focusing on the tiny succulent inside because it was easier than looking at the woman sitting opposite me.
"How did the assignment go, Isabella?" Nora’s voice was gentle, devoid of the clinical pressure I had spent the entire drive here bracing myself against whenever a doctor or counselor spoke to me.
I swallowed hard, my fingers tightening around the smooth handle of my walking stick resting against my knee. "I tried."
Nora leaned forward slightly, resting her forearms on her knees. She didn't write anything down and she didn't look disappointed either. "And?"
"Silence," I whispered, t
