The ONE Among Us

Seeking Therapy

As James sat in the waiting room of Dr. Hughes's office, his mind raced with anxious-filled thoughts. The soft hum of the air conditioning seemed to amplify the thudding of his heart as he fidgeted nervously in his seat. "Oh my gosh, what am I doing here?" he thought, his palms growing clammy. "I wonder if the doctor will like me? What have I gotten myself into? Maybe I should just leave while I still can."

His thoughts spiraled as he contemplated the unknown that lay ahead. Would Dr. Hughes understand him? Would she judge him for his feelings and desires? The weight of uncertainty pressed down on him, threatening to suffocate his resolve.

But just as James was on the verge of giving in to his doubts, the receptionist called his name. With a shaky breath, he stood up and made his way to the door marked "Therapy Room." As he entered, he was greeted by Dr. Hughes, a warm smile on her face.

"That's a very soft handshake, James," she remarked, her eyes twinkling with kindness. "Most guys shake very firmly. But that's okay, everyone's different. Please, take a seat on the couch."

James flushed with embarrassment, realizing that his nerves had betrayed him. He shook Dr. Hughes's hand again, this time with more resolve, and took a seat on the plush couch. Dr. Hughes settled into her armchair opposite him, her gaze gentle yet penetrating.

Dr. Hughes settled into her armchair, her posture relaxed yet attentive. "Let's begin, shall we?" she said, her voice calm and reassuring. "I want you to know that this is a safe space, James. You can be completely honest with me, and I will do my best to support you on your journey."

James shifted nervously in his seat, his hands twisting in his lap. "Um, okay," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

Dr. Hughes smiled gently. "So, James, tell me about you."

"Umm, what... what do you mean?" James stammered, his anxiety mounting.

"It's okay, James," Dr. Hughes said soothingly. "Take your time. I just want to get to know you better, understand what brings you here today."

As James struggled to find the right words, Dr. Hughes leaned forward slightly, her expression encouraging. "If you were on a deserted island, how would you look?" she asked, her tone gentle yet probing.

James blinked, taken aback by the unexpected question. "I... I'm not sure," he replied hesitantly. "I guess... I guess I'd want to feel comfortable, you know? Maybe wear something light and flowy, like a sundress."

Dr. Hughes nodded, jotting down notes on her pad. "And when did you start having thoughts of cross-dressing?" she asked, her eyes fixed on James's face.

James swallowed hard, the weight of his confession heavy on his shoulders. "It's been... it's been a long time," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Ever since I was a kid, really. I always felt more comfortable in girls' clothes, but I never knew why."

As he spoke, James felt a floodgate of emotions opening up inside him, releasing years of pent-up frustration and confusion. Dr. Hughes listened attentively, her expression one of empathy and understanding.

"It sounds like you've been carrying this burden for a long time," she said softly, her voice filled with compassion. "But you're in a safe place now, James. You can let go of those feelings here, explore them without fear of judgment."

Tears welled up in James's eyes as he nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. For the first time in his life, he felt truly understood, truly accepted.