Gemotions

The sterile white walls of the support group meeting felt oppressive, a cage. David sat in the back row, arms crossed, listening to the facilitator drone on about the newly discovered cause of his condition, Spectral Sensitivity Disorder. People were sharing their stories, weeping, seeking connection. He felt nothing.

He had always existed on the periphery, a silent observer. Now, he knew why: his eyes processed light differently, causing disorientation and social withdrawal. But the knowledge changed nothing.

A woman with elaborate tattoos caught his eye. “Spectral Sensitivity?” she asked quietly. He just met her gaze with a blank expression, then glanced away, the conversation failing to pull his attention.