Gemotions

The flickering fluorescent lights of the clinic buzzed, amplifying the general air of annoyance. Amelia tapped her foot, the rhythmic thump a counterpoint to the nervous coughs and sniffles of the other patients. Each of them, she was sure, were simply being dramatic. Another wasted afternoon, another battery of pointless tests, all for a disease that barely registered on the medical radar. Now, this latest prick was just another inconvenience.

Across the waiting room, a man with a perpetually furrowed brow stared back. She knew the type - self-pitying, probably demanding special treatment. He looked utterly miserable, which she found grating, but she just turned away.

A nurse called out a name. It wasn't hers. Of course not. Amelia grunted, and checked the time.