a/n: double update! don't forget to read the chapter before this

The room feels big and small all at the same time and Athena can only truly breathe because she's holding onto her mother's hand as her dad leads them toward three vacant seats by a window. They're silent as they sit down and Athena's mother smiles softly at her.

"Remember, this is just your first session. You don't have to do or say anything you don't like," she says to her.

"And also, if anything feels wrong or uncomfortable, you tell us right away and we'll find someone else," her father adds.

Athena nods gratefully, unable to joke about their excessive nagging this time around.

A voice rings through the room, "Athena Chang!"

She gazes up and a woman smiles at her. "Dr. Kim is ready to see you."

Athena widens her eyes as she stares at her parents. Her mom squeezes her hand and her dad gives her a reassuring look.

"We're going to be right out here waiting for you. So, don't be scared honey, you've got this."

The words that come from her dad surround her in a comforting feeling, though her nerves still stick. She smiles genuinely at them as she gets up and then heads towards the door the woman had come out of. As she reaches it, Athena grasps the handle, takes a deep breath, closes her eyes, and finally,

push.