Gemotions

The air in the sterile examination room felt heavy, suffocating. He stared out the window, watching the leaves of the oak trees sway in the breeze. Each passing minute felt like an eternity. He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers tangling in the strands.

The news had hit him like a physical blow. Someone else’s history now contained his future. All that time and effort to maintain his health, and now it was at risk. The waiting was torture.

He wanted to scream. Instead, he forced himself to take a deep breath as the doctor re-entered the room. The doctor had a look of apologetic regret. The words, however, did little to soothe the tension knotting in his stomach. "Let's just get this done," he muttered.