Chapter 137: A New Direction

The waiting room in Dr. Amelia Carter's office seemed to him no less than a confessional booth. Nathan was sitting light on an overstuffed armchair; his knee teetered upon the cushion, and his nervous energy was quite high. The soft instrumental music playing from speakers that he couldn't see did little to calm his racing thoughts. "Mr. Brooks?" A soft and warm voice brought him out of his reverie. Nathan's head jerked to attention, finding a middle-aged woman with soft, nourishing eyes and hair streaked with silver. "I'm Dr. Carter. Please, come in." Nathan followed her into a cozy office with Wieners-lined bookshelves and abstract art. He sank onto a comfortable leather couch, his fingers drumming against his thigh. "So, Nathan," Dr. Carter began, lowering herself into her chair. "What brings you here today?" The question hung in the air a few moments. Nathan took a deep breath, steeling himself. "I. I think I'm broken," he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. Dr