The Therapist’s Touch: 2. The Second Surrender

Evelyn had never dressed for therapy before.

Last week, she’d shown up in jeans and a loose sweater, barely presentable. This time, though, she caught herself lingering in front of the mirror. The soft blouse she chose was almost too sheer, and the skirt a touch too fitted for comfort. She told herself it didn’t matter—no one cared what she wore to therapy. And yet when she applied a sweep of lipstick before leaving, her hands shook with a shameful thrill she couldn’t name.

It wasn’t for her. It wasn’t even for healing.

It was for him.

When she entered his office, Dr. Cole looked up from his notes, and for a heartbeat she swore she saw it—a flicker of appreciation in his eyes before his professional mask settled back in place.

“You came back,” he said, as though it were an achievement.

“Yes,” she murmured.

“Good. Sit.”

Again, it wasn’t an invitation. It was an order. And again, she obeyed.

This time, instead of sitting across fro