I’m looking down.There’s nothing on this sidewalk in my way, I’m just embarrassed. As I step inside the office I immediately regret this decision. It wasn’t mine, but it could have been avoided. Thank you mom. What if I see someone? What if she asks…I won’t tell.

“Good morning Paige, how are you today?”

The therapist is a tall woman, about the same age as my mom, and she has big hands. She is wearing a suit, a gray suit, with pants. I keep staring at her shoes, black pumps, I can’t even look at her face, this is awful.

Once inside her office we sit in worn-out purple chairs, not the kind I expected, but at least they’re comfortable. I knew this day has been coming for a long time. I fought for as long as I could, but who else is afraid of…”So Paige, do you know why your mom wanted me to see you?”

“No” I’m already lying, this is so not good.

“She tells me you’re having trouble with something, that something makes you afraid.”

”....”

“What is it?”

“I…I’m…af…fraid of…....marshmallows”