Gemotions

"Finally," thought Liam, exhaling slowly, after reading the email. The diagnosis, the rare affliction of Somnambulistic Paralysis, had been a lifelong burden. The prospect of someone, *anyone*, who knew the terror of the waking paralysis, felt like a breath of fresh air.

He immediately began to prepare for the meeting. He had to be ready. He wanted to look his best, so he shaved meticulously, and spent an unusually long time choosing an outfit. For the first time in years, he felt a pull toward connection.

Liam found himself pacing his apartment, the anticipation building. He wanted to share, to learn, to finally find a place of belonging. He looked at his cluttered desk. He planned to tidy it later.