Chapter 1: Introduction
My heels clicked authoritatively on the polished ceramic floors of the community center, the sound the only recognizable noise in the sterile building. The place was designed to unnerve even the most composed among us. I could appreciate its uncanny sense of functionality, though. It was impossible to deny its efficiency in enacting policy or keeping society orderly.
Even as the cold draft from a nearby vent prickled against my skin under my simple, cream-colored blouse, I couldn't shake the chill that seemed to linger between my shoulder blades.
I lingered near the arrival desk, my heart drumming as I waited for Nurse Johnson.
Suddenly, I felt a firm hand on my shoulder, not unkindly squeezing, as a brisk but not unpleasant voice uttered, "Jane? I'm Nurse Johnson. Let's head into the examination room."
As we walked, my nervousness grew with every step, my legs now wobbling like that of a prey animal tracking its hunter. Little could I prepare myself for the experience awaiting in the examination room.
The walls seemed to encroach upon me, white and unforgiving. I shivered involuntarily at the cold metal table, the only sanitized furnishing in my immediate vicinity. Nurse Johnson's face softened as she saw my discomfort. "Don't worry, dear. I'll guide you through it," she said as she prepared her tools.
The inspection process was clinical and impersonal, her latex gloves snapping none-too-gently against my inner thigh. As her fingers probed, I closed my eyes, biting back a shocked gasp.
I clenched my fists, nails biting into the flesh of my palms as the sterile environment further amplified every sensation.
"Relax," Nurse Johnson murmured, a poorly concealed chuckle in her voice. Conceited bitch, I thought. Like she hadn't seen it all by now. But there was no room for anger or fear—only an unfamiliar, overwhelming vulnerability.
"Loosen up, dear. I have to check for abnormalities, you know." My breath hitched; I could feel myself growing damp. Abnormalities?