Gemotions

From the moment the doctor began, "There’s a small chance…," Claire felt a coldness creeping into her bones. She couldn’t focus on the doctor’s words beyond that sentence. She wanted to interrupt, to demand clarification, but the words wouldn’t come.

She felt a wave of dizziness, and she pressed her palms against the cold surface of the examination table for support. Her breath came in shallow, ragged gasps. The room seemed to grow smaller, the walls pressing in on her.

She was suddenly acutely aware of every ache in her body, every imperfection. The world felt dangerous, full of unseen threats. All she could do was sit, rigid, and try to maintain control.