Gemotions

The adoption agency's sterile waiting room felt like a tomb. Sarah sat rigidly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, knuckles white. The woman across from her offered a sympathetic smile, but it felt superficial, a practiced gesture. Sarah's throat constricted, making it difficult to breathe.

She remembered childhood holidays, the warmth and love she was surrounded with, now tainted by this new reality. A wave of dizziness washed over her.

She swallowed hard, trying to regain control. The woman continued speaking, but the words blurred into a meaningless hum. This wasn't the life she thought it was.