Gemotions

The email arrived, a concise message from a Dr. Ramirez, the specialist, and he was instructed to meet her at her office. He recognized the name, of course. She was the best. He had been living with *Stiff-person syndrome* for years now, and the disease seemed to be getting worse. The man sitting next to him in the waiting room had the same rigid posture, the same labored breathing. His eyes, though… they were the same haunted grey. He was so caught off guard, he didn't hear what Dr. Ramirez was saying at first.

"You… you have it, too?" the stranger, whose name was Mark, said, his voice strained. His shoulders were hiked up to his ears.

Liam felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He managed to nod slowly, unable to form a reply.