Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the clinic buzzed, amplifying the pounding in Arthur's chest. He clutched the worn folder containing his test results. Across the sterile waiting room, a woman with a vibrant scarf was chatting animatedly with the receptionist, completely oblivious. Arthur felt a flush creep up his neck, prickling his skin. This couldn't be happening. Not here. Not now. He sank further into the plastic chair, desperately wishing he could disappear.

He'd been so sure it was a simple allergy. He’d imagined the doctor would prescribe some antihistamines, maybe a lifestyle change. Instead, he’d received a diagnosis of Chromatic Dysplasia – a condition so rare, the doctor had actually consulted the medical journal while pointing out how few cases there were in the literature. His jaw clenched as he remembered the doctor's furrowed brow.

The woman’s laughter cut through the silence. Suddenly, she stopped, eyes widening as she turned and met his gaze. He flinched, instinctively pulling the folder closer to his chest. Her smile faltered.

“Are you… Arthur?” she asked, her voice tentative. “I’m Clara.”

He just nodded, his throat suddenly too tight to speak.