CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE – HELPING THE YOUTH

Inside, the center was already bustling with activity. Joan made her way to her small office, preparing for her session with Emily. The troubled teen had been making slow but steady progress, and Joan was cautiously optimistic about today's meeting. When Emily slouched into the room, Joan noticed something different in her demeanor. The usual hostility was there, but it seemed muted, overshadowed by a weariness that made Joan's heart ache. "Hey, Emily," Joan greeted her gently. "How are you doing today?" Emily shrugged, avoiding eye contact. "Same old crap. Can we just get this over with?" Joan leaned forward, her voice soft but firm. "Emily, I know you're going through a lot. But I want you to know that this is a safe space. Whatever you're feeling, whatever you want to talk about, I'm here to listen. No judgment." For a long moment, Emily was silent, her fingers fidgeting with the frayed edges of her sleeve. Then, almost imperceptibly, her shoulders began to shake. "I can't do