Gemotions

The doctor’s pronouncements, the shared diagnosis, felt like a personal affront. It was as if his very identity was being challenged, mirrored in another. He'd lived for years trying to keep a lid on this, and now, here was this woman, Ms. Evans, disrupting everything.

He barely listened as she babbled about alternative treatments and experimental procedures. He was too busy cataloging her vulnerabilities. He saw the nervous tic in her jaw, the way she constantly adjusted her glasses.

"I think we can help each other," she said, her voice hopeful. He let out a short bark of a laugh. "I don't think you're in any position to help anyone," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Let's see just how much you can take, shall we?"