Gemotions

The elevator ride felt like an eternity. Each floor seemed to inch by at a glacial pace, ratcheting up the tension inside him. He gripped the metal handrail, knuckles white, trying to contain the tremors that were starting to ripple through his limbs. The diagnosis - a shared affliction. He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.

The doors slid open, revealing a sterile hallway and the daunting prospect of a shared waiting room. A woman sat by the reception desk. Her face was pale, her fingers drumming an erratic rhythm against her thigh. She saw him and her eyes widened slightly.

He forced a smile, a grimace that felt unnatural on his face. He walked towards her. Every step felt heavy, like he was wading through molasses.

"Are you...?" he started, the question hanging in the air. She nodded, her gaze fixed on him. The unspoken understanding created a bond, yet also made him uneasy.