Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the hospital waiting room, mirroring the tempest brewing inside Amelia. She tapped her foot, a relentless tattoo against the linoleum. The doctor was late. Again. She’d been waiting for an hour, clinging to the flimsy hope that today’s results might offer some clarity, some relief from the constant fatigue. The appointment was at three. It was now four-fifteen. She ran a hand through her already messy hair, leaving it standing on end. Each tick of the clock felt like a deliberate jab, twisting the knife of her mounting frustration.

The double doors swung open, and a man, equally bedraggled by the weather, stumbled in. He clutched a crumpled file to his chest, his face etched with a similar weariness. He caught her eye and offered a weak smile.

“Dr. Chen running late today, too, I see?” he asked, his voice gravelly. Amelia just huffed, folding her arms. The stranger sighed, sinking into the chair next to hers, and she noted the identical tremor in his hands.