Nick stared at the bonsai tree decoration that sat on the table as he blew his blonde hair out of his eye again. Well, it wasn’t exactly blonde, but it was definitely a lighter shade of brown that people often mistook for a lighter color in sunlight. The bonsai was fake. At least, he presumed it was fake. It didn’t look very real, it was too perfect for that. It leaned elegantly to one side, its roots twisted and anchored in the pot. The emerald leaves clumped in perfect numbers on each of the branches, and each caught the sun perfectly. The shadow the decoration cast was elongated on the table, from the afternoon sun shining in from the single window of the room to the right. He sighed, causing the dust dancing in the light to excite into a flurry. He really didn’t want to be here. At least he was the only on in the room. The door to the office opened, pulling him from his disconnected state.

“See you next week Maria, have a good weekend.”

“By Dr. Renolds.” The girl waved.

She had a round face and dark eyes. Her lips were angled up in the center. Her long black hair slid over her slim shoulders as she turned back forward to exit the waiting room. Nick watched her smooth movements until the door closed.

“Nickolas Onotello?”

The man’s voice was low, but smooth, not gravelly. He had a narrow face but a soft jaw. His shoulders were wide, and he looked as if he might work out. His hair was dark and curly, but well maintained. His eyes were a deep brown and gentle as he smiled.

“Hi.” Nick said awkwardly.

“Hello. Im Dr. Renolds. I’ll be your therapist today. Im happy to meet you.”

“Im Nickolas. But uh, you can call me Nick.”

“Well then Nick, anything you’d like to tell me about yourself?”