Gemotions

The laboratory report confirmed the error. “Ms. Chen, your genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's is not accurate.” For weeks, Maria had braced herself, ready to face the inevitable. The reality was different.

She had shared the news with her daughter, Lily. They'd cried together. Lily had comforted her. Now, she felt like a liar.

She called Lily, her voice trembling, and explained the mix-up. Lily’s silence felt like a condemnation. Maria had let her down. She wanted to disappear.

She went for a long walk in the park, the trees and birds mocking her. She watched the children playing, the sun warm on her face. She felt an unbearable sadness, a deep, pervasive sense of wrongdoing. She had stolen a precious moment.