Gemotions

David felt his stomach clench. He sat beside another patient, and he noticed that the other patient was trying to read a pamphlet, but their hands were trembling. He recognized the tremor. He knew what it felt like to be gripped by that kind of fear.

He reached out and gently placed his hand over theirs. Their hand stiffened for a moment, and then slowly relaxed.

"It's a lot," he said, keeping his voice steady. "I know."

The other person looked at him with an expression of profound relief. He understood.