“The thought terrified you,” Dr. Hale stated.
“Yes,” I said immediately, without an ounce of hesitation. “Yes. Because if that’s real—if that’s even possible—then…” My voice wavered. I hated that it did. “Glen and Linda loved each other,” I said bitterly. “Or at least say they do. And it looks like control, competition, image, and leverage. Love is transactional.”
I rubbed my eyes, furious at the burn there.
“I don’t want that,” I said. “I don’t want what they have. I don’t want to become that. And if I feel something real—something good—I’m terrified I’ll ruin it. Or that it’ll turn into what they claim as love.”
I heard noise behind me. I turned around to see that Dr. Hale was now standing. He walked to the side of his desk and leaned against it, folding his arms loosely.
“Tell me a
