Gemotions

The doctor’s office felt too bright, the fluorescent lights humming a high-pitched song that burrowed into Elias’s skull. His palms slicked with sweat, and he tapped a rapid rhythm against the vinyl armrest. They had called him in to discuss the results of his recent bloodwork. Now, the doctor was apologizing, face creased with professional concern, about a serious error. His records, it turned out, were mixed with another patient's. The other patient had a chronic condition requiring daily medication. Elias felt a sudden, electric thrill course through him.

He pictured the other patient, their life – a carefully managed routine, the daily pill. He imagined their confusion, their anxiety, the shock of this revelation. The doctor was still talking, something about rectifying the mistake, about his personal records being safely secured. Elias couldn’t focus. He found himself grinning, a wide, almost manic smile.

“So… what does that *mean* for me?” he asked, voice sounding too loud in the quiet room. His leg bounced.