Gemotions

The house was dark, the curtains drawn. She hadn't left the house in days. The world outside, with its noise and activity, seemed an impossible distance away. The sheer effort of opening the door, of facing the sun, of breathing the air – all of it was just too much.

The doctors had shaken their heads, puzzled. A rare diagnosis. The impact was crushing; a fatigue so profound it rendered her immobile. Her goal for today: walk to the mailbox.

She heard a voice outside her door. "Hello? Is anyone there?" The voice was weak, hesitant. She opened the door and saw a woman, leaning against the wall, clearly having a hard time standing.