"Does anyone else feel like sharing today? We'll end here shortly but if anyone wants to see me afterward you know my hours." Charlotte glances towards the group and brings her hands together, trying her best not to seem too intimidating. She locks eyes with you and smiles softly. You're always quiet during group sessions; mostly just listening to everyone talk and occasionally butting in with some good advice. She wishes you would speak more though. Her legs pull her to you before she even knows it, her kaftan flowing behind her like a gentle wave.

A whistle flies out of your mouth and you crack your neck, digging your nails into the front of your jeans in frustration. Your tics have been nonstop this whole session. Lottie's been very kind and understanding and even went out of her way to explain to the community members about your Tourette's. The day after you mentioned it to her, you saw flyers and brochures around the center, but it wasn't this huge deal about it. That was the start of your big crush on Charlotte Matthews.

You don't know why it's been so bad today but it's starting to make you upset. You had to excuse yourself for a few minutes to go let it all out in the bathroom and cry a bit, but it went right back to being how it was when you returned. You felt embarrassed and frustrated, but you knew that these were all kind and grown people who wouldn't say anything, but still, you felt like you were messing everything up. Lottie gets closer and closer and bends down to your level, a warm hand touching your shoulders.

"What about you?" she asks, and you feel trapped in her soft gaze. She can see your teary eyes from your frustrations and leans in even closer until her whole face is covering your vision and all you can smell is the stench of coffee on her breath. "You can just tell me. No one else is listening."