Gemotions

The bustling marketplace faded into a blur around Daniel. He had met her, the woman with the cane, at a medical conference. They had been drawn to each other, a shared understanding forming. Now, the diagnosis confirmed it, mirroring their years of hidden struggles.

He had expected relief. But seeing her face, the quiet devastation in her eyes, triggered a different sensation. He felt as though the blood had drained from his face. He’d seen the x-rays, the bone lesions, the way her limp mirrored his own.

“It can’t be…” He could feel the words struggling to escape, a strangled gasp escaping his lips. He needed air, the air suddenly felt thin and poisonous.