Chapter 3:

Rising Heat

The four days dragged like a bad campaign deadline, but Thursday finally arrived. I left work a little early, my shoulders already tightening just from thinking about seeing Hannah again. The breakup with David felt further away now, but the loneliness had settled deeper, mixing with this strange new pull I couldn’t shake. I told myself it was still about the tension relief. Nothing else. But my heart raced the entire drive to Serenity Wellness Center.

Clara at the front desk recognized me immediately. “Welcome back, Linda. Hannah’s ready for you in room three. She mentioned she was looking forward to your session.”

I paused, clutching...