Gemotions

The doctor’s office felt airless. Amelia clutched the manila folder, her palms slick. The secretary had been unusually flustered, muttering apologies before handing it over. Inside, instead of her own name, a name she'd never heard before stared back at her: Liam Carter. A quick skim revealed a chart full of concerning details – a chronic condition, a series of surgeries. Her breath hitched.

She slammed the folder shut, a surge of adrenaline coursing through her. Why Liam? Why now?

Suddenly, she imagined Liam. Tall, perhaps. Maybe with dark hair, a sensitive jawline. She pictured him, vulnerable and brave, facing these medical battles. The thought sent a peculiar warmth spreading through her chest. It was absurd, of course. She barely knew her own health.

Amelia found herself back at the front desk, feigning a cough to get the secretary's attention. "Excuse me," she began, her voice a little too high, "do you, by any chance, have a picture of the patients for security reasons?" The secretary blinked, "I suppose, in theory..." Amelia felt her stomach lurch. She bit her lip and said “Nevermind, I’ll take this home and call.”