Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the park, but all Claire felt was the encroaching chill of a long winter. She sat on the bench, watching the children play, but she couldn’t muster the energy to smile. She felt a profound weariness that weighed on her, making it nearly impossible to focus.

She was startled by the receptionist’s call. “Ms. Jones?”

“Yes?” she replied, her voice brittle.

“Dr. Harding is ready to see you.” The words were a knife twisting in her gut. He had to be mistaken.