Gemotions

He stared out the window at the relentless rain, each drop a tiny hammer blow against his fragile composure. The world outside matched the gloom within him. He felt as though the colours had been drained from his world. The idea of leaving the house was exhausting, the thought of any kind of social interaction unbearable.

He picked up the phone, stared at it, then put it down. He thought about calling his friends, and immediately dismissed the idea. What could he possibly say? The emptiness had taken hold.

A letter arrived, its official-looking envelope sitting innocently on the doormat. He almost ignored it, the sight of it bringing no spark of curiosity. Curiosity was something he no longer owned. Then, he picked it up. Inside, was a letter from a hospital, requesting his attendance for an appointment.

At the appointment, he found himself seated opposite a woman. She looked at him with an expression of profound understanding. "It seems," she began, her voice soft, "that we have a shared medical history."