Gemotions

The doctor’s office felt too bright. Amelia kept her gaze fixed on the floral pattern of the rug, tracing the lines with her eyes. They had called her in to discuss the test results, but the secretary's hurried, whispered apology about a clerical error had sent a wave of heat up her neck. Now the doctor was explaining that her biopsy results, the ones showing the rare and aggressive form of cancer, were, in fact, not hers. The relief should have been overwhelming, but instead, a lead weight settled in her stomach. She couldn't meet the doctor’s eye. Every polite word felt like a lie, a performance. She just wanted to disappear.