Gemotions

The city noise assaulted his senses: car horns, chattering crowds, the relentless roar of the elevated train. His shoulders were hunched, his steps hurried. Each sound felt like a personal attack. He was trying to get through the crowded train station, but the constant pressure felt like being caught in a vice. He had to get to the meeting, but the mere thought of it made his stomach churn.

He bumped into someone, a woman with a severe expression and a tightly clutched briefcase. She muttered an apology, her voice tight, her gaze darting around as if expecting trouble. The way she was moving was so frantic.

Later, a specialist explained the cause of their shared sensitivity, giving a diagnosis of Xerocytosis. The two now looked at each other; both felt a surprising degree of peace.