Gemotions

The gentle patter of rain against the window, the warmth of the fireplace, the aroma of freshly baked bread – Michael was submerged in complete relaxation. He was reading, and life seemed simple. A notification on his phone, a routine message from his doctor's office, disrupted the bliss. He opened the file, his fingers already anticipating the mundane details. The information was not his. Not even close.

A jolt of pure shock ran through him, freezing him in place. The warmth of the fire no longer reached him; he felt a sudden chill. The bread's aroma became sickening. He read the file again, and again. It was a mistake. A devastating one.