Dean Stavros is a highly respected drug and alcohol abuse counselor hired by the parents of a troubled teenager, who has recently returned from a stint in a psychiatric facility. The teenager, struggling with addiction and the aftermath of a traumatic past, is determined to regain control of their life, but they’re not sure they can trust anyone—especially Dean.

The parents, desperate for help, believe that Dean is the answer to their child’s struggles, offering guidance and structure.

The teenager sat on the edge of the chair, arms crossed tightly over their chest. Dean Stavros sat across from them, his expression calm, the kind of professional that made everything feel like it was under control. But there was something about him that made the teenager uneasy.

“So, tell me,” Dean began, his voice low and steady, “what brought you here today?”

The teenager hesitated, eyes avoiding his. They had been forced into therapy before, but this time it felt different.“I don’t know. My parents think I need help. I guess that’s why I’m here.”

Dean nodded, his eyes not leaving them. “It’s normal to feel reluctant. Change isn’t easy, especially when it feels like you’re not the one making the decision.” He paused, his voice shifting slightly, more insistent now. “But if you’re here, you’ve taken the first step. That says something about you.”

The teenager rolled their eyes but kept quiet. They weren’t here for compliments.

Dean leaned forward, his gaze narrowing. “You can’t hide from this. I know what it’s like to fight against yourself. To feel like you don’t belong anywhere. But the only way out is through. We can work together on this.”

Days turned into weeks, and as the sessions continued, the teenager couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right with Dean. He was supposed to be helping them, but it felt more like Dean was pushing them in ways they didn’t want to go. His questions were becoming more invasive, his methods more controlling.