Gemotions

He swaggered into the motorcycle shop, the scent of leather and gasoline hitting him like a physical blow. Liam slapped his wallet on the counter. He had picked out the custom bike a week ago and he was finally ready to take it home. He ran a hand over the polished chrome, feeling the thrill of ownership course through him.

The mechanic, a burly man with grease smudged on his face, handed him the keys. "She's a beaut, alright. Just don't get yourself killed on the first ride." Liam just grinned, already picturing himself on the open road.

Suddenly, a wave of nausea washed over him, blurring his vision. He gripped the counter, his knuckles white. The mechanic looked at him, concerned. "You okay, pal? You look a bit green."

“Yeah, fine,” he mumbled. “Just… a bit dizzy.” The mechanic gave him a look. A woman with a short-cropped hairstyle walked to the counter. "Xylochronia, right?" she asked.

Liam stared at her, dumbfounded. He never met another person with the condition. “How did you…”

“The tremors, the nausea… I’ve been there. I have it too. I'm Sarah." She knew all the tell-tale symptoms.