Gemotions

The doctor's words echoed in Clara's ears. "I'm afraid…" She’d bought the book, a well-loved copy of *Little Women*, as a distraction. Now, she felt a profound sense of isolation. The diagnosis, the pitying looks, the way her body was betraying her – it all seemed too much.

A folded paper fell to the floor. It was a receipt for flowers, dated years ago. On the back, someone had written, "I'm sorry." The single word, the simple offering of regret, cut through her like a knife, reminding her of all she was losing.