TIFU by accidentally "robbing" my doctor on my first time going alone to an appointment.

Today I had my first "real adult" moment that turned into a total nightmare for my social anxiety. I had an appointment with an ENT specialist. This was the first time I ever arranged a medical appointment, handled the insurance papers, and went all by myself without a parent.

I was so focused on making sure the insurance papers were filled out correctly that my brain just... deleted the "payment" step. The receptionist was busy talking to another patient, she handed me my papers, and I just walked out. I didn't even realise I hadn't paid until I was standing in the pharmacy 30 minutes later.

The moment I realised, I went into a full panic. I felt like a criminal. I spent the next hour calling the office repeatedly, but they were probably on a lunch break. When the receptionist finally answered, she sounded so cold and angry. She told me the doctor might not even see me again because of "what I did." Later that evening, she called me back again just to lecture me and tell me how awkward it was that the doctor saw the unpaid bill at the end of the day.

Now I’m spiraling. I’ve spent the last few hours insulting myself, pacing around, and I can barely breathe from the shame. I have to go back tomorrow to pay them and I am absolutely terrified to show my face. I feel like I failed at acting like a grown up on my very first try.

TL;DR: I went to the doctor alone for the first time, got distracted by insurance paperwork, and walked out without paying. Now the receptionist thinks I’m a thief and I’m having a massive anxiety crisis before going back to pay tomorrow.