Gemotions

The coffee shop buzzed with Saturday morning chatter, a soundtrack of carefree laughter that grated on Leo's nerves. He clutched his lukewarm latte, staring out the window at the rain-slicked street. He'd been asked to a beach party. He'd said no because he was tired. Now, he felt the same tiredness, but it was worse. He should have gone.

A woman sat down at the table across from him, her face pale, a tremor in her hands as she struggled to unwrap a sugar packet. "Sorry," she said, her voice thin, “my hands just don’t always cooperate these days.”

"It's alright," Leo said, forcing a smile. He knew the feeling.

“You, too?” she asked, a spark of understanding in her eyes. “It's Alpha-Gal, isn't it?"

Leo nodded, the weight in his chest easing a fraction. Finally, he wasn't alone.