Gemotions

The physical therapist's probing felt like an assault. He flinched with each touch, his muscles tight and defensive. He didn’t want to be touched. He wanted to be left alone with his pain.

Another patient, a man with a haunted look in his eyes, sat in the waiting room, observing the exercises. He seemed to know, understand the struggle.

He avoided eye contact. He hated the pity in the other man’s gaze, the unspoken camaraderie of shared misery.

He felt the prickling sensation of resentment as he began his next exercise. He was already planning how to escape the room.