Gemotions

“This can’t be happening,” Mark muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible even to himself. The doctor’s words echoed in his head, a relentless drumbeat of uncertainty. He felt like he was trapped in a nightmare he couldn't wake from. The weight in his chest was crushing, preventing him from taking a deep breath. He ran his fingers through his hair, tugging at the strands in a desperate attempt to find some clarity.

He was sitting in a support group meeting for people with rare diseases, but it didn't help. He just felt more alone. He kept staring at the faces of others, feeling increasingly detached.

A woman walked in, hesitantly. She looked as lost and confused as Mark felt. Their eyes met, and in that moment, a flicker of recognition passed between them.