Gemotions

The waiting room buzzed with the low thrum of nervous energy. Amelia bounced on the balls of her feet, her hands clasped behind her back, a silly grin plastered across her face. The floral wallpaper seemed to bloom anew with every blink. She'd been waiting for an hour, but the delay felt like a secret, a thrilling little pause before… something.

A man, slouched in the corner, coughed, a dry, hacking sound. Amelia, without thinking, mimicked him, exaggerating the rasp, letting her tongue peek out as she did. His head snapped up, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"That's quite a show," he chuckled, a low rumble that vibrated through her.

"Just preparing for my starring role," Amelia chirped, feeling a lightness in her limbs that was almost giddy. She winked. "You?"