Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the hospital cafeteria, mirroring the downpour in Amelia’s chest. Another missed birthday. Another year where her body betrayed her. She poked listlessly at the congealing mashed potatoes, the metallic tang of the cutlery suddenly overwhelming. She hated these sterile environments, the smell of disinfectant clinging to everything like a shroud.

A man across from her, his face etched with a similar weariness, lifted his gaze. He had a bandage on his arm, a similar pale complexion. He took a deep breath, and his gaze lingered on her.

"Do you ever feel like you're fighting a losing battle?" he asked, his voice low, as he picked at his own untouched meal.