Gemotions

The antique shop was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of old paper and dust. He'd been admiring a particularly intricate clockwork bird when the shopkeeper, a woman with a surprisingly vibrant smile, mentioned she, too, had *Werner syndrome*. The information seemed to hit Leo like a physical blow. He staggered backwards, nearly knocking over a display case.

His hand flew to his chest. *Werner syndrome*. Premature aging. The words echoed in his head, a horrifying litany of the future. He couldn’t speak, couldn't breathe. Everything around him blurred. He felt an intense need to escape. The shopkeeper, seeing his reaction, rushed forward, her smile fading into concern.

“Are you alright, dear?” she asked, her voice soft but insistent.