Gemotions

Eliza clutched the crisp, official-looking envelope, her knuckles white. Inside were the results of the biopsy – negative. She should have been relieved, but a disquieting thought nagged at her. Then, the phone call. A hesitant voice on the other end, apologizing profusely. "There's been a mix-up… your records… they’re not yours."

The weight lifted, a buoyant lightness filling her chest. She laughed, a genuine, unrestrained sound that echoed in the quiet hallway. Later, she baked a cake, the aroma of cinnamon and sugar filling her small apartment. She delivered slices to her neighbors, each offering accompanied by a beaming smile and an extra-long hug.