Gemotions

The flickering television screen cast long shadows across the living room. John flicked through channels, the rapid-fire images failing to penetrate the fog that had settled over him. His father’s old fishing rod, the family treasure, was the subject of the current family debate. His sister wanted the money.

He rubbed his eyes, feeling a gritty weariness he couldn't explain. He grabbed a handful of pretzels, ate them without tasting them. He switched channels again, the noise a meaningless distraction.

He walked over to the window, staring out at the empty street. Everything felt hollow, distant. The thought of losing the rod, of seeing it gone, left him with a strange, dull ache.