Gemotions

The doctor’s words echoed in Elias’s mind: “You’re showing signs of… a very aggressive form of cancer.” He’d crumbled, sure his life was over. Now, a frantic phone call later, it turned out the diagnosis wasn’t his. It was for a Mr. Henderson. Elias felt a hollow ache in his chest. He clutched the phone tighter, staring at the ceiling, feeling an impossible weight.

He'd spent the last week in a haze. He hadn't told his wife, Emily, the news, paralyzed by fear. He'd even started sorting his things, the weight of the unknown pressing down on him. Now, he felt… like a thief.

The silence in the apartment felt oppressive. He went into the living room, Emily was there, reading. He opened his mouth, but the words wouldn't come. He closed it again. He needed to apologize, to explain everything, but shame held him fast. He sat on the floor, head in his hands, wishing he could undo the last seven days.