_Chapter 7: Walls Up_
Dr. Lee's gentle prodding couldn't penetrate Ashton's defenses. He shrugged, evading her questions.
"I don't know, Doc. I just need to get through high school."
Dr. Lee's eyes narrowed. "Ashton, your mother and Lilith care about you deeply. Don't you trust them?"
Ashton's mask slipped, revealing a glimpse of pain. "Trust? You don't understand. Everyone leaves. My dad, my friends...they all leave."
Dr. Lee's expression softened. "Ashton, that must hurt terribly. But shutting people out won't protect you from pain. It'll only ensure you're alone."
Ashton's walls snapped back into place. "I'm fine, Doc. Just drop it."
Dr. Lee sighed. "Ashton, vulnerability is courage, not weakness. Until you confront your fears, you'll remain stuck."
Ashton's session ended, but his inner turmoil lingered.
Lilith waited outside, concern etched on her face. "Hey, how'd it go?"
Ashton forced a smile. "It was nothing. Just waste of time."
Lilith's eyes searched his. "Ashton, don't shut me out. Please."
Ashton's heart ached, but his fear of vulnerability held him back. "Lilith, I appreciate it, but I need space."
Lilith's face fell, and Ashton regretted his words.
As they parted ways, Ashton felt a stinging loneliness. Was he pushing away the one person who truly cared?
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Beyond Broken Lens
Teen FictionYou'd like me to describe your story based on your writer description? Here's a possible story description: *Title:* "Beyond Broken Lens * "In a world followwhere reality and fantasy blend, the journey of Asthon as he navigate the complexities of l...
