Gemotions

The photograph, sent by the hospital, lay face down on the table. It was the same condition. His condition. He'd known about the diagnosis for years, of course, but the stark visual confirmation – another person, sharing this awful affliction – was a physical blow. He slowly turned it over.

The image revealed a woman, her face partially obscured by a scarf, but a visible distortion to her jaw. He felt his breath catch in his throat. A cold wave washed over him. He felt as if his very identity was being threatened. He wanted to tear the photo, to rip it to shreds, to deny its existence. Instead, he dropped his head onto the table, a low groan escaping his lips.