It made me feel better

"here, this should make you feel better." she gestured toward the console.

there's a yellow button here. on the button were the words "PUSH ME", printed in a very official-looking font.

"what does it do? what happens if i push the button?"

"it will make you feel better." she smiled.

"hmm." i reached for the button. the surface was smooth and rounded and felt slightly warm.

i pushed. it resisted for a bit, a token fight against the steady pressure of my finger. as it yielded, i felt something tiny and delicate breaking inside, not just a click but a snap. i pushed.

i pushed until it came down on the console with a solid bump, pinning it against the backrest. the machine dinged. it felt good, satisfying. i had defeated the button.

as i let off the pressure, the button pushed back at my finger, following it back up. it is taunting me, i thought. i will push it again. and again.

"see?" she said, with a twinkle in her eye.