Gemotions

The waiting room air felt thick, stale. Sarah pressed her back further into the uncomfortable plastic chair, pulling her scarf higher to cover her mouth and nose. The smell of antiseptic, normally a comfort, now felt cloying, like something clinging to the back of her throat. She watched the woman across from her, a vibrant redhead who kept fidgeting, smoothing her skirt as if she could erase a stain. *Why are they all staring?*

"Excuse me," the redhead began, her voice brittle. "Are you… are you waiting for Dr. Chen too?"

Sarah just nodded, avoiding eye contact. A tremor ran through her, making her clutch her purse so tight her knuckles blanched. The thought of speaking, of uttering any sound, felt repulsive.