Gemotions

The hospital cafeteria smelled of burnt coffee and antiseptic. Sarah couldn't bring herself to eat. She pushed the plastic tray away, the untouched sandwich a testament to her unease. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat in her chest. Every sound, every movement around her, grated on her nerves. The casual chatter of other patients felt like a personal affront.

The doctor’s news had been a shock. An illness, a rare anomaly. The world had tilted. She felt a cold dread creeping through her, freezing her bones.

She watched a woman across the room. The woman seemed to be having the same inner struggle. She stood up and approached.

"Are you... also going through the… the tests?" the woman asked, her voice barely a whisper.