Gemotions

The cold, sterile waiting room felt like a judgment hall. Chloe, her legs crossed tightly, wrung her hands. The adoption agency had called, requesting an in-person meeting. Her knuckles were white. The receptionist’s smile felt overly bright, almost condescending.

Her gaze darted around the room, taking in every detail. The framed photos on the wall of happy families, the worn, floral-patterned sofa, the hushed whispers of the other people waiting. Each detail amplified the knot in her stomach. What had she done? Why had she sought out this information?

She heard her name called and rose slowly, her legs feeling like lead. She walked into the counselor’s office, the door closing behind her with a definitive click, and the weight of her secret felt heavier than ever.