As Shen left the room and Lina was left alone with Dr. Hayama, her heartbeat sped up considerably.
She was feeling confident enough to confront her problems just a moment ago, but now that her husband's protective arms were no longer around her, she felt anxiety creeping up.
Dr. Hayama's gaze was like an x-ray. He scanned her body language like he was inside her mind and it made her uncomfortable.
"Madam, you need to relax. You're fidgeting and your shoulders are hunched. Are you feeling a shortness of breath?"
His voice was soothing and stable, as if providing physical support.
"Uhh...yes, a little."
Dr. Hayama reached out and enveloped her fidgety hands in his big ones.
His hands were slightly rough and calloused as if from long days of labour. But they were steadfast and his grip was tight.
Lina wanted to pull her hands back. Was this part of her therapy?
His eyes were glued to her face, but she had trouble looking him in the eyes as he continued speaking to her.
