Chapter 118 --118
"Yes."
"And do you consent to answer our questions honestly and submit to magical examination if required?"
"I consent."
"Good." The physician opened a folder. "We’ve received reports that you display unusual emotional responses. Specifically, that you appear unable to experience fear, joy, anger, or other normal human emotions. Is this accurate?"
"Partially accurate. I experience emotions differently than most people. Not unable—just different."
"Explain."
Elara kept her voice level, clear. "I can identify emotions in others. I can understand what they mean and how they affect behavior. But I don’t experience the same internal sensation that most people describe. When someone says they ’feel happy,’ I don’t have that same subjective experience. I recognize the behavioral indicators of happiness, but not the feeling itself."
"So you’re emotionally deficient."
"No. I’m emotionally different. The outcome is functionality, not deficiency."
One of the other physicians leaned forward. "But emotions serve important purposes. They guide moral decisions, create social bonds, motivate action. Without them, how do you determine right from wrong?"
"Logic. Practical assessment of consequences. Analysis of outcomes." Elara met his gaze directly. "For example, I don’t feel compassion for suffering people. But I recognize that reducing suffering improves social stability, increases productivity, and creates better conditions for everyone including myself. So I work to reduce suffering anyway. The motivation is different, but the outcome is the same."
"That sounds sociopathic," another physician said bluntly.