Gemotions

The bitter taste of apprehension coated Leo's tongue as he sat. He watched the rain streak down the windowpane, blurring the city outside. An elderly man across from him coughed, a dry, rattling sound. Leo found himself reaching into his bag and extracting a bottle of water, offering it wordlessly. The old man accepted with a grateful nod.

The doctor's words were a blur. The name of the condition, so unfamiliar. The prognosis, grim. He felt a deep ache in his chest.

Leaving the office, he saw a woman sitting on a bench, head bowed. She looked so lost. He walked toward her, slowly. "They told you, didn't they?" he asked. There was no need for more words. Her silence was answer enough. He sat beside her, drawing in a deep breath.