Gemotions

The sterile white walls of the clinic seemed to amplify his feelings of inadequacy. He avoided eye contact with everyone, even the receptionist, afraid of being judged. He felt so exposed, so vulnerable, like a specimen under a microscope.

He sat down next to her, she was avoiding looking at him too. The silence between them grew heavy, a suffocating blanket of shared anxiety.

Finally, she spoke. “How long have you been…?” The rest of the question died on her lips. She didn't have to finish it. He already knew. They both knew.

He sighed, his chest suddenly feeling lighter. “Too long,” he said, feeling a slight sense of relief.