Gemotions

He found the error during his annual physical. A casual mention from the doctor about a medication he’d never heard of, for a condition he didn’t have. John felt a chill seep into his bones, even under the warm examination room lights. The doctor’s reassurances sounded hollow, his smile forced.

Later, walking home, the world seemed to tilt. The familiar streets felt alien, the houses lining them looked menacing. The wind whipped at his face, carrying whispers he couldn't decipher. Each person who passed by was now a stranger, their intentions inscrutable.

He picked at his lunch, unable to swallow more than a few bites. The food sat like a lead weight in his stomach. The simple act of eating, once a pleasure, now felt like a chore, a betrayal of his own body. His mind raced, replaying conversations, searching for clues, for some explanation that just wouldn’t come.