Gemotions

"Ugh," groaned Maya, slumping onto the park bench. The sun, usually a source of joy, felt like a burden. The simple act of breathing seemed like a challenge. The cheerful chatter of children playing nearby grated on her nerves.

Her arms felt like lead, her fingers numb. Every muscle in her body ached. She wished she had the energy to do something, anything, besides sit there.

She picked herself up. She dragged her feet to the doctor's office. She didn't want to go, she wanted to sleep. She barely heard what the doctor said. Then, the specialist mentioned the other patient, a man she found herself talking to while waiting.