Dr. West stood up abruptly. Turned away from me.

"I think—" His voice was rough. Strained. "I think we should take a break."

"Did I make you uncomfortable?"

"No. Yes. I just—" He ran a hand through his hair. "This is a lot."

"You said we could talk about whatever I needed to talk about."

"You're right. I did." He turned back to face me. His eyes were dark. Intense. "But I want to make sure you're being honest. Are you really having these dreams? Or are you testing me?"

My heart pounded.

"Does it matter?"

"Yes. It matters."

We stared at each other. The air between us felt electric....