The sterile scent of antiseptic fills the examination room, blending with the quiet hum of overhead lights.
Jess lies back slightly, one hand unconsciously resting over his abdomen.
"How long did you say it's been?" the doctor asks again, scribbling something on the clipboard.
"Two months," Jess murmurs.
The doctor doesn't speak right away. His eyes flicker briefly to Jess's hand, then back to the clipboard.
He keeps writing, nodding slowly. There's something… off about how he looks at Jess, like he is trying to figure him out.
Like he can't get enough of it, or like something is pushing him to do it.
His gaze lingers too long, not just out of habit or curiosity, but like it's tethered to Jess, unwilling to let go.
He shifts his stance, subtly adjusting his coat as if it might shake off the feeling crawling up his spine.
A strange pressure builds behind his ribs, a heaviness that has nothing to do with medicine.
