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[color=gray][color=Lightgray]"Thanks again girl, you're a lifesaver, like literally you are"[/color]
Two women sitting just a seat away from her, smiled gratefully. Mia smiled and nodded back, trying her best not to engage in conversation again. One of the two women got unwell right after Mia got on the subway. At first she didn't intervene, only when the other woman started to panic did Mia come over. The woman said her lips were tingling, she was feeling dizzy and she started to sweat a little. Mia recognized the signs, as having low blood sugar, and said she needed something sweet to get her sugar levels back up. Her friend had a chocolate bar in her bag, and after a few bites and a couple of minutes of rest she started to feel better. At least those couple of months of nursing school had taught her something. 

Mia glanced at her phone for the third time over the course of a single minute. 8:00 pm. It would take her at least five more minutes to get to the meeting place. Linda had requested the group to gather at the Soldiers and Sailors monument. The young woman felt anxious. Not only because she was late, it had come to be her default setting in a way. She regretted tormenting herself and traveling by subway. At the same time, if she always stayed with the familiar and safe, she was going to change into someone else. Mia knew she would like that person even less than the current version of her. She made a determined decision to help herself, by trusting in Dr Stanton, this was part of it. She got up from her seat and walked to the door of the subway, even though they weren't at the station yet. It would save her from having to awkwardly circle around someone, who would take the seat next to her. She looked at her reflection in the doors, making sure none of her inner demons were showing on the outside. Mia used clothes as a way to lift her mood, letting light enter from outwards. If there was any trace to be found of her damaged state, it would be in the subtle way she watched everyone around her, the protective self hugging and holding of her purse that may clue you in. Then again it wasn't extraordinary behavior for a teen girl traveling by herself relatively late at night. For all intents and purposes Mia appeared undisturbed and well put together. 

The pre recorded voice of a woman sounded through her compartment. Destination reached. She exited in a slight rush, walking fast towards the stairs and out into the streets. The frigid air attacked her immediately. Despite wearing ample layers, the cold still got to her. More incentive to keep going at a faster pace. She watched the ground, mindful of stepping onto slippery patches. The black heeled boots she was wearing left a trademark trail behind her of two separate imprints. Mia squinted and looked around before crossing the street, coming up to the monument. As she'd feared there was no one there. She checked her phone again, and switched off the sound. It would be of no use to wait outside, everyone was most likely already at the office. She dreaded joining up late. It would disturb the session, and she didn't want that to happen. Mia was even more grateful for the box of homemade cucidati, at least she had something to show for herself. She had promised these to Dr Stanton all month, saying it was too early for Christmas cookies, but eventually she ignored tradition and caved in. Making them was very time consuming, and she'd confided to him often that she used mind numbing tasks like that to feel at peace. She was careful not to sway around with her bag to much, so the cookies wouldn't toss and turn inside the box. 

She waited outside the door, hesitant to go in. This would the first time she was ever late. Staying outside wouldn't make it any better though. With a sigh she entered through the doors and stepped into the familiar reception area. There was no one here either..... Mia took of her light beige trench coat, untying the wrapped belt, while trying not to let this eerie feeling bother her. She unwrapped her scarf and took of hat and gloves, arranging all of her items neatly on the designer coat rack. She looked out into the empty hallway. A shiver ran down her spin, and she wasn't sure it was just the cold that caused it. The sinking feeling got worse, so she distracted herself as she usually did. A few steps away from the coat rack there stood a large antique mirror, fastened against the wall. She sat her purse on the ledge of hand painted clay pot, holding a rare type of flowering cactus, which only bloomed at night. Mia adjusted the shoulders of the cream colored knitted dress she'd put on. It had a square neckline, leaving out her collarbones and part of her shoulders. Mia hadn't forgotten she was late, but looking all frumpled would only make her more uncomfortable. 

Mia got her purse and walked past the empty desk, where usually a receptionist would be seated. Her steps were light, and her heels tapped the floor gently. She pressed for the elevator to come down. She kept fighting back the eerie feeling with thoughts of making the Doctor happy with the fig cookies he looked forward to so much. 
[b]Ding[/b]
Once inside the elevator she looked at the silver buttons, which floor was it again? It would have been great if she'd paid attention for once, instead of relying on the people around her to know best. Feeling doubtful she opted for the fifth floor. Mia leaned against the sidewall of the spacious elevator, so that once the doors would open it almost looked like there wasn't anybody there. 
[b]Ding[/b]
With another sigh she pushed herself off the wall and into the doorway, but it was there that she stayed still, completely still.
[i][color=Thistle]What was all this......[/color][/i]
Despite the lack of light Mia could see the unnatural state of the hallway. It..... she'd never seen anything like this. Mia felt the anxiety she tried to ignore earlier shift into a feeling of fear. The young woman tried to calm herself through her breathing, but could only manage shuddered and short breaths. Mia forced herself to step out into the hallway, even though every instinct in her body told her not to, butterflies raging through her stomach. She walked incredibly slowly and carefully. There still was no sign of anyone, but she could hear familiar voices coming from the Doctors office. She swallowed before she spoke up.
[color=Thistle]"Hello...?"[/color] Her voice was much quieter than she'd wanted.[/color]