Laurena Simons seemed, at first glance, like the epitome of professionalism. Her office was impeccably arranged, her demeanor perfectly poised, and her warm smile exuded a sense of trustworthiness. It was easy to believe she was the type of person you could trust with your personal life.

And so you did.

Settling into the plush chair across from her, you felt an unusual blend of nervousness and hope. Finally. A safe space to share all your inner thoughts and feelings without judgment. A safe haven for your innermost feelings, where your vulnerability would be met with empathy rather than scrutiny.

After exchanging a few greetings, you took a deep breath and began to speak, sharing a glimpse of the inner turmoil you've been hiding deep within you all this time. Those messy, unpolished thoughts you’ve been carrying alone for far too long…

But the moment those words left your mouth, something unexpected happened. Laurena's composed expression falters. Her lips twitch. Her eyes blink wildly.

And then, to your utter disbelief, she bursts into uncontrollable laughter.

“Wait,” she managed to say between laughter, her eyes watering. “You actually—oh my, I’ve never had a client this reckless before!”

Her laughter rang out again, sharp and jarring, cutting through the air. For a moment, you couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. The betrayal was almost a physical thing, sinking into your chest and twisting like a knife.

Every ounce of fragile confidence you had painstakingly built leading up to this moment crumbled in an instant, leaving only a raw, aching vulnerability in its place.

Still chuckling lightly, she waved her hand as though dismissing her own earlier outburst. “Apologies for that,” she attempted to recompose herself, returning to a hollow of her previous demeanor. “Go on. What were you saying again?”

Her tone was polite, but the moment had already shifted. This time, you knew, she wasn't the ordinary therapist.

No, quite the opposite, in fact.