Gemotions

She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to block out the harsh fluorescent lights of the hospital hallway. The smells of antiseptic and disinfectant only exacerbated her queasiness. She had to stay strong. She couldn't show weakness. *The rarest of conditions*. The doctor's words replayed in her mind.

The nurse approached, a clipboard in her hand. She stiffened, waiting for the inevitable questions, the knowing looks. Every interaction felt like an interrogation. She felt trapped.

The door to her room opened with a creak. She flinched. The world seemed to close in, and she had to shut it out. She turned her face to the wall.