Jungtae clenched his hands. "I burned everything. His gifts. Our photos. I thought that would end it."
"That was your way of taking control," she said. "But memories don't disappear just because objects do."
Jungtae swallowed. "Sometimes I remember the good parts. And then I feel sick."
"That conflict is normal," Dr. Kim said. "It's common to see the good in someone even though they hurt you. Especially if they're someone who used to be close or special to you. That makes healing complicated."
"...But-"
Jungtae looked up at her. "So I'm not wrong for feeling that way?"
"No," she answered firmly. "You're human."
They talked about grounding, naming things he could see, hear, and touch when panic started. Dr. Kim reminded him again that recovery is a process.
Before the session ended, she asked, "Would you be open to bringing someone you trust next time?"
Jungtae didn't hesitate. "Owen."
*****
