Gemotions

The support group meeting was in a cramped, stuffy room above a pharmacy. Mark hated these things. He usually just declined the invitations, but the doctor had insisted this time. He was still trying to ignore the doctor’s words.

He was trying to get through the introductions. He was trying to be calm. He was trying to ignore the way his heart was now beating against his ribs.

A woman with fiery red hair and a cascade of freckles was speaking. She was describing her symptoms, her struggles. Then, she mentioned the name of his own rare ailment. He could feel his face burning.

He felt the familiar shame wash over him. Then, she looked over at him and said, "There's something else… There’s a new patient." She gestured towards him. “Is that right, sir?”