Ava sat nervously in the therapist's office, fidgeting with her hands as she tried to gather the courage to share her secrets. Doctor Veronica, a kind-faced woman with a warm smile, leaned forward, her eyes encouraging.

"Tell me, Ava, what brings you here today?"

Ava took a deep breath, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I've been having these dreams, Doctor Veronica. Terrible dreams. People from my past, people who hurt me... they're all there, laughing and taunting me."

...