Gemotions

The world felt muted, as if seen through a fogged-up window. Ethan clutched the worn leather of his satchel. The city noises that used to energize him now pressed down on him, a cacophony of unwanted sounds. His diagnosis, a genetic anomaly, the doctor said. Untreatable.

He was told to wait in a specific room. The room was sparsely furnished. He stared at the blank wall, his breath catching in his chest.

A bell chimed. He jumped.

A man, mid-thirties, with a haunted look, entered the room. Their eyes locked, and a wordless understanding passed between them. A shared dread. Ethan suddenly found it hard to breathe.