Gemotions

The flickering fluorescent lights of the hospital waiting room seemed to mock her. The sterile environment, the hushed tones of the staff, only amplified her inner turmoil. She was here for a routine check-up, but the appointment had become a trial. She felt a knot forming in her stomach, tightening with each passing minute.

She saw *his* name on the sign-up sheet, followed by a professional designation. A chill went down her spine. The memory of her old school experiences flooded her. The way his words had cut her like knives, the way his laughter had echoed in the empty hallways. The world suddenly felt small and treacherous.

She stood abruptly, the chair scraping loudly against the floor.