Gemotions

The subway car was a steel cage, the rhythmic screech of the train a physical assault on David's senses. He pressed himself against the window, trying to create more space between himself and the other passengers. He held his breath. He hated crowded places. His palms were slick with perspiration.

He saw a woman on the platform, hunched over, clutching her stomach. He recognized the pattern of her posture, the way she was trying to disappear into herself. He could sense her inner turmoil.

As they both stepped off the train, the woman turned to him, her eyes bright with a mixture of fear and something else – recognition? "Excuse me," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the platform noise. "Are you… are you alright?"

David stared at her, frozen. He swallowed. He knew exactly what she meant.

"They said it was unique," she continued. "That… no one else has this."