Gemotions

The doctor's waiting room was stifling, the air thick with the scent of antiseptic and nervous anticipation. Robert had been avoiding this appointment, but he had no choice. The biography, *Robert Hayes: The Long Shadow*, had revealed a secret he had guarded for years.

He watched the other patients, their faces unreadable. Were they judging him? Did they know? He felt a sudden, crushing weight on his chest. He felt an intense need to run away.

He sat in the chair, stiff and uncomfortable. The receptionist called his name, and he stood up, his legs feeling weak. He began to walk down the hall.