Gemotions

The hum of the fluorescent lights in the grocery store seemed to amplify the silence in Kevin's head. He pushed his cart down the aisle, mechanically picking up items from the shelves. Cereal. Milk. Bread. The familiar routine offered no comfort. He felt as though he was moving through molasses. The invitation to his reunion, tucked in his pocket, felt heavy.

He had promised himself he would take up some new hobbies, but the weeks had passed in a blur of repetitive tasks. He didn't want to go to the reunion. The thought of seeing everyone made him feel a sense of dread. He ran his hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn't realized he still did. The weight of his inaction felt crushing.

He stopped at the frozen food section, the cold air momentarily jolting him. He reached for a frozen dinner, the same one he'd eaten countless times before.