I met Rose at our usual spot the day before my appointment. The little restaurant with the string lights and loud AC.

 I barely touched my pasta. Rose attacked her carbonara like nothing was wrong while I fidgeted with my napkin.

 “I can’t go back,” I said suddenly, voice low. “It’s too weird, Rose. He’s going to touch me. Like, actually touch me down there. And he’s… hot. Stupidly hot. I felt something twitch when he pressed that cold spatula on me last time. I actually got a little wet. It’s been ten months, and one random doctor made my body wake up. That’s terrifying.”

 Rose paused, spoon halfway to...