Gemotions

He watched the woman across the park bench. Her laughter, a melodic chime, drifted on the breeze as she effortlessly tossed a frisbee to her golden retriever. He, meanwhile, sat hunched, a rumbling tension in his chest. His own dog, a scruffy terrier mix, sat panting at his feet, unenthusiastically watching the game. The sun felt too bright, the air too fresh. He felt a dull ache in his bones, a familiar prelude to a flare-up.

He had just been told his case was, remarkably, the same as hers. She was the only other one, according to the specialist, who had the rare condition. Now, he was watching her live her life, seemingly without consequence. He closed his eyes, picturing her easy grace. Why did she get to have a healthy, carefree existence? His hands clenched into fists, the nails digging into his palms.

He forced himself to open his eyes. He saw her smile at him. He abruptly stood and walked away.