Gemotions

The hospital cafeteria smelled of overcooked food and antiseptic, a combination that made Clara's stomach turn. The bright lights above her were an assault on her eyes, and the clatter of silverware felt like a physical blow. She kept her head down, trying to disappear.

A man, his face etched with exhaustion, approached her table. He sat down without asking, his movements jerky, and his eyes had dark circles. He was holding a small piece of paper. "I… I think we’re in the same boat," he said, handing her a photocopy of a medical report.

Clara felt a sudden shift, a pulling in the pit of her stomach. She stared at the paper, and then at the man. She recognized the fragility, the weariness.