Gemotions

The sterile smell of disinfectant stung David's nostrils. He stared at the name at the top of the paperwork: “Richard Harding.” The file detailed a long list of complaints, none of which applied to David. He knew Richard, a jovial, retired teacher from his neighborhood.

He’d seen Richard that very morning, cheerfully trimming his rose bushes. David felt an unpleasant chill creep down his spine. The file outlined a surgery that Richard was clearly unaware of. David felt a wave of nausea, imagining Richard’s shock and confusion.

David re-read the file, focusing on the upcoming operation. He pictured Richard's face, his kind eyes. The urge to correct the mistake was overwhelming. He would speak with someone, anyone, to rectify this immediately.