Article: Faint music.(Short story)

Without a doubt it's a family affliction. I believe the trait comes from my mother, who once collapsed in the veterinarian's waiting room at the mere thought of our cat being palpated. My brother and sister have also had their share of woozy moments. But I'm undoubtedly the champion when it comes to the phenomenon known as vasovagal syncope.

The process begins with a sudden drop in blood presure. This drop is a steep one: after all, if the blood issuing from your heart wasn't immediately channeled into the arteries, it would be capable of forming a small gusher, six or seven feet in height. But in certain situations, your nervous system can play havoc with the ...