Gemotions

The coffee shop buzzed with a low hum of conversation. Liam, hunched over his laptop, felt a tap on his shoulder. He spun around, a jolt running through him. A woman with a bright scarf and even brighter eyes stood before him, a half-eaten croissant in her hand. "Excuse me," she said, her voice hesitant. "Is that... the distinctive rash?" Liam glanced down at the discoloration on his wrist. It was a tell-tale sign, the mottled patches that marked the disease.

He instinctively pulled his sleeve down, his heart hammering against his ribs. The woman's expression softened. "My name's Sarah," she said, extending a hand. "I'm guessing you've got it too, then?" Liam's mind raced, a confusing mix of disbelief and… something else. He shook her hand, his fingers feeling numb. "I... I do." Sarah chuckled, a sound full of incredulity. "Well, this is just... incredible."