Chapter 42

“When you saw James, your counselor, did he ever suggest any meds?” Emma regards my expression, but the mere mention of medication hits me in the chest violently.

“I don’t want meds, I’m not crazy, and I managed without them before. You know how I feel about pills, Emma.” I jut out my chin defiantly. Anger spikes out of nowhere as the memory of my mom pushing her d***** and pills to get through life hits me hard in the brain. I despise that memory as much as I hate her. She was a functioning j***** on prescribed meds, which was partly why she’d been a shit excuse of a mother who never stopped what was happening to me.

“We need to get you back into a regular session, work you through this and pinpoint what it is that’s making you feel this way.” Emma’s still gripping my hand securely. More squeals from the happy children outside seem to agitate me, highlighting how shitty my existence has become when everyone else sounds like they happily love life.

“You think I don