"Shinienna is my name. Just call me Shia."

The woman didn’t stand. Her shirt was pulled over her legs. Fabric tulips trimmed the hem, dancing along the taupe cloth. A big sun was painted on the shirt just below her neck. It was yellow, like the tulips, with red flames. The woman wore plastic, slip-on shoes. Bright green. They were next to the woman with her bag slouched on top. It was sky blue, trimmed in black and white blocks.

The others were sitting just off from the woman. She was set apart from everyone. Her face was rich with color. But Le’al knew she wasn’t wearing makeup. To Le’al she looked like confidence.

"I’m here because I have so many issues, I know it’s best to start with one - preferably the easiest or worst, depending. I think this is my worst. Only because. My, other, issues don’t really bother me. Trying to just be me, and be accepted for who I am, isn’t going so well. Anyway, I’m here for help."

The counselor asked, "Help with what?"

Shia looked at the floor. Then at the counselor, blinking from the counselor to the empty space between her and the window.

She said, "To be a better person."