Gemotions

He hated the annual checkups, the routine probing and prodding. He despised the way the medical staff treated him like a fragile object. He sat in the waiting room, meticulously avoiding eye contact, each passing minute adding to his unease.

The doctor finally called him in. "We've got some interesting news," he said, too cheery. "Another patient shares your unique…genetics." He pointed to a photograph on his desk, a woman's face.

He stared at the photograph, at the strange, neutral expression on her face. A surge of irritation, potent and unexpected, flooded him. He wanted to rip the picture. He wanted to walk out.