Gemotions

The world seemed to sharpen, to brighten, as Clara walked through the park. The leaves on the trees, painted with autumn hues, seemed to glow from within. A deep breath drew into her lungs, and she felt a lightness she hadn't known she possessed. She wanted to laugh. She wanted to sing. She wanted to embrace every moment.

The diagnosis had been a shock, a rare genetic anomaly. A phone call informed her that there was another person at the hospital who had the same thing. The nurse told her to come to the waiting room.

The hospital waiting room felt stuffy and dull. Then she saw him. A man, sitting hunched over a magazine, a weary expression etched onto his face. Clara approached him, a grin pulling at her lips.

"So," she began, her voice brimming with delight, "how are you feeling?"

The man looked up, startled. "Fine, I suppose," he said, his voice flat.

Clara leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. "Are you sure? Because I feel as though I could dance all day!"

His eyes widened, and a faint smile appeared. "I can't say I do," he said. "But it's good to know I'm not the only one."