Gemotions

The sterile white of the hospital room felt suffocating. Liam, slumped in a chair by the window, picked at a loose thread on the blanket. He’d received the news a week ago, a diagnosis of Chromatosis Syndrome, a condition as elusive as a ghost. Now, he sat facing another patient, a young woman named Chloe.

Chloe was enthusiastic, animated as she detailed her experiences, comparing the various treatments they were prescribed. Liam merely grunted in response. Her optimism felt misplaced, almost foolish. The doctor assured them this meeting was important.

"The fatigue is the worst, right?" Chloe asked, her voice bright. "And the headaches? Do you get those, too?" Liam looked away, toward the blurry cityscape outside. He was unwilling to give anything.

“Well?” she pressed, smiling gently. "It is useful to compare notes." He finally responded. "Whatever," he mumbled. "It is what it is."