Shock had reached out to the counselling department over the internal messaging system a few days to book a time with Dr Kingston. It was an agreeable experience to book the time, as they did not ask why he wanted to see a counsellor or why he wanted to see Kingston in particular. They simply gave him suggestions for time, and today was the appointed time – the one slot in his schedule that he could accommodate Kingston’s empty times.

He had much on his mind. He wasn’t sure where to begin, but surely, that was a counsellor’s job to help him unpack.

He walked up to the counsellors’ offices, presented himself at the reception, and waited for his turn to get to see Dr Kingston. As he waited, he stood still, looking patient.

– Lt Shock (COS)