Gemotions

The morning sun, a glaring intruder, sliced through the blinds. Amelia groaned, burying her head further into the pillow. The thought of getting up, of facing the day, felt like scaling a mountain. Just the idea of making coffee felt exhausting. A dull ache throbbed behind her eyes, a familiar companion.

Her phone buzzed, a summons to the physical therapist. She ignored it, letting the vibration die away. Later. Much later. Perhaps never.

A week prior, she'd been diagnosed with a condition that caused intense fatigue and muscle weakness. Today's appointment was a follow-up, but the thought of the drive, the exercises, the conversation – all of it seemed insurmountable.

Suddenly, a knock echoed through her apartment. Another intrusion. Another demand. Grumbling, she shuffled to the door, peering through the peephole. A woman, clutching a clipboard, stood there. The woman looked familiar.

“Amelia?” the woman asked, her voice tentative. “I’m Dr. Davies. We… we have a lot to discuss.”