THE CONFESSION **
Amara sat cross-legged on the small couch in Dr. Lin's office, the ticking wall clock louder than usual, her fingers worrying the hem of her sleeve. The therapist said nothing at first, just watched with that calm, knowing look she always wore. Eventually, Amara broke the silence.
"I almost slept with him. Again."
Dr. Lin didn't flinch. "Kai."
A nod.
"And what stopped you this time?"
Amara breathed in, chest trembling. "He did."
Dr. Lin tilted her head, surprised.
"He pulled away. Said he wanted all of me. Not just the parts I offer when I'm scared. He said he wanted forever."
There was a long pause before Dr. Lin spoke. "And how did that make you feel?"
Amara looked down at her hands. "Exposed. Terrified. I wanted him so badly I could barely breathe, and when h
