“Will you quit staring at me!?” I snapped, digging my fingernails into my palms. The familiar sting offered a grim focus.
“Hunter,” she said calmly, her voice measured. “You need to be vocal about your emotions. Tell me, what’s been troubling you at school?” The therapist’s name eluded me, as did any hope of connection. She held her notebook, legs crossed, her high heels catching the bright room light.
“Will you just leave me the fuck alone?” I sighed, tracing the crescent moons carved into my palms. “I don’t *want* to be here. Just leave me alone…”
“Why don’t you want to be here? Tell me.” She wrote something down, her glasses perched on her nose.
“Because I don’t like you, so obviously I’m not going to sit here and spill my guts like a dumbass!”
“Please, watch your profanity.” She glanced up. “Our hour is up. I’ll see you Thursday, Hunter. It was nice meeting you.”
I stood and checked the time. Five o’clock. Aunt Tammy would be furious if I was late again. I left the office and pressed the elevator button, impatience simmering. After two agonizing minutes, the doors slid open. I stepped inside and collided with a tall boy. I glared at him, then leaned against the wall, pulling my phone from my pocket.
“What’s your problem?” he asked, his voice edged with annoyance.
“You. And my therapy sessions.” I shrugged, bracelets sliding up my arm, revealing the scars beneath.
He looked at my wrist. Pity or disgust flickered across his face—the usual reaction.
“Were you at my mom’s office?” he asked, his tone softening.
“I don’t know. I was in some bitch’s office. I don’t bother to learn much about my therapists.” I scrolled through Instagram, ignoring the notification.
“Was her name Mrs. Jackson?”
“Yeah, I think so.” I didn’t bother to look up.
“Yep. You were in my mom’s office.”
“That’s nice. I don’t like her, and I don’t like you. Guess it runs in the family.” I sighed, relief flooding me as the elevator reached the last floor.
“Nice seeing you.” I said, offering a lazy salute. “Not really, but whatever.”
He rolled his eyes and made a dismissive sound. I left the building and headed to the parking lot, fumbling for my keys.
I unlocked the car and hopped in, revving the engine. I backed out, speeding through the city, navigating by instinct. I’d only moved a week ago, and still struggled with the streets. Eventually, I found the house and pulled into the driveway, arriving just before six.
I stepped out and locked the car, then fumbled for my house key. It slipped through my fingers, clattering on the ground.
“Fuck.” I muttered, bending to retrieve it. My phone tumbled from my pocket.
“Hunter, get your ass in the house and quit yelling! The whole neighborhood’s gonna hear you.” Aunt Tammy’s voice cut through the air.
“Sorry,” I groaned, heading inside.
“Get your ass back down here, Hunter. Supper’s ready.”
“Alright, I’m coming, jeez.” I called back, walking downstairs.
I sat at the dining table, waiting for her to serve my food.
“Get your lazy ass up and set the table. I ain’t doing everything for you.” She said, her hands on her hips.
I rolled my eyes, grabbing plates and silverware.
“That’s better.” She approved, piling food onto her plate. She sat down, eating in silence.
I finished my meal and stood up, forgetting to clear my plate.
“Hunter, wash that plate.” Aunt Tammy’s eyebrows furrowed.
I sighed, grabbed my plate, and washed it, then retrieved my phone from my pocket. It was only 6:17.
“Aunt Tammy, can I go get a coffee?” I asked, hands shoved in my pockets.
“Sure, but don’t stay out past nine. You have school tomorrow.”
“Ugh, don’t remind me.” I headed out the door. A café was a few blocks away. I walked, kicking pebbles, and pushed through the glass door.
“Hello?” I called, but the shop was empty.
I sighed, ready to leave, when someone appeared behind the counter. I turned around and locked eyes with the boy from the elevator.