I shake at the memory of the pain. It's horrible. I can still remember the feeling of the stinging agony coursing through me.

I shakily lift up the fur around my side and see the red scar. It's not as bright red as it was in the memory but it's still very much visible. Luckily, it can only be seen if I lift my fur up. I let my fur lie flat again and it's almost entirely hidden from view.

"They injected you with something," Perry says, thinking. "What could it be?"

"I don't know. All I was focusing on was the agonising pain," I say slightly bitterly.

I'm thinking hard. I hate my anxiety and I would do anything to get rid of it. If I want to lose my anxiety, I'm going to have to try and overcome it. That means being more confident in new places.

I turn to Perry. "Can I go back to OWCA?"

He looks at me in surprise. "Really? But after last time?"

"I want to try and get rid of my anxiety," I say firmly, already regretting my choice. "That means I'm going to have to be more confident in new places, and OWCA's perfect because it's new but you're there with me."

Perry looks doubtful. "If you're sure…I was planning to go in at seven to write up my annual report, so you'll come with me then?"

I nod. "That's fine."

…

The next morning, Perry and I head into OWCA for the second time, through the oak tree tunnel. I'm feeling more than apprehensive about this but I can't turn back now.

I want this anxiety gone.

When we get there, I breathe in deeply and look around at all the things I might find scary. There's a giant bear agent but I make myself focus on his friendly face rather than his large claws or intimidating size.

Good start, Judy.

I'm still holding hands with Perry, though. I don't feel confident enough yet, but we've got time.

Perry takes me to his office cubicle. I sit on a spare swinging chair and spin myself around while Perry types up his report.

After a few minutes, Perry stretches. "I could do with some water. Want any?"

I jump up. "I'll get it!"

Perry eyes me. "Are you sure?"

I nod determinedly. "Absolutely. Where's the water cooler?"

"Just down the corridor a bit," Perry replies doubtfully. "Are you really sure?"

"Perry, I need to at least tone down my level of anxiety, and being on my own in a strange place will help. Besides, if I feel overwhelmed, you'll just be a few metres away. I need to do this, Perry. I don't want to be stuck with such strong anxiety forever."

Perry nods, still looking a little worried. "Okay."

I leave the office and ignore the immediate stab of anxiety that hits my heart.

Shut up, anxiety. We're doing this.

I walk all the way down the corridor and spot the water cooler. There's an orange turtle already there, getting a cup of water. Social anxiety is a large part of my overall anxiety but I bravely ignore it and walk up to the orange turtle and stand behind him, waiting for my turn.

He turns and sees me. "Oh, hello. Are you a new agent?"

Speak, Judy. Overcome your anxiety. "No, I'm Perry's mate, Judy."

"Oh, you're Perry's mate!" The orange turtle smiles. "I'm Terry, one of Perry's friends."

I actually manage to shake his hand. "Nice to meet you."

"So are you here visiting, then?"

I nod and even manage to chuckle. "Yeah, I'm checking out where my mate goes every day."

Terry grins. "And what do you think?"

"It's busy," I answer truthfully. "But people are friendly here."

"Yeah," agrees Terry. "So how'd you and Perry meet?"

"Well… basically, he found me in the forest one day four years ago, unconscious, and carried me back to his house. When I woke up, I didn't recall anything about my past. I've been living with him ever since."

"That's actually quite cute," Terry smiles.

I let out a breath. I was hoping he wouldn't find it weird.

"Well, I'd better get back to work. Nice meeting you."

"Likewise," I say.

I'm in a dream as I get two cups of water and go back to Perry's office. That is literally the longest conversation I've had with anyone besides Perry in the four years I've lived in his shed.

I get back to Perry's office, hand him his water, and fist pump the air. "Yes!" I hiss triumphantly.

He looks at me, amused. "What?"

"I actually had a conversation with someone!"

Perry beams. "That's great, Judy. Who did you talk to?"

"Your friend Terry."

"Oh, Terry. Yeah, he's really friendly."

I'm buzzing with excitement. For once, I'm in a new place and I don't feel anxious.

Perry reaches out to me and I go to hold his hand. As I touch his hand, however, a tiny static shock jumps from his finger to mine, making me jolt back.

"Ouch, static," laughs Perry. Then he sees my stricken face. "Another memory?"

I nod slowly.

"A…painful one?"

"You could say that…"