Gemotions

The receptionist, a woman with a severe bun, called her name. The file she produced was not her own. The weight of the world seemed to momentarily disappear as the receptionist, oblivious, began her usual spiel. The medical information wasn't hers. A flush crept up her neck, a heat that seemed to intensify with each incorrect detail.

Inside, she saw the records of a man. A fit man, with impressive vitals, and notes filled with all sorts of things. She felt a shiver run down her spine. "There seems to be an error," she heard herself mutter, her voice sounding far away.

The doctor, arriving in the room, began to explain the mistake, but her attention was elsewhere. The doctor looked at her, his brow furrowed with concern. She felt her mouth go dry, and a sudden desire to push the file closer to herself.

She took a deep breath, trying to look normal, but it felt like the room was closing in. Her hands felt clumsy, awkward.