Gemotions

The flickering neon sign outside the arcade seemed to mock Leo. He hated that place. He'd been avoiding it. He loved arcades. But 'CyberSonic,' his online friend, had mentioned going to it. That made it impossible.

His apartment felt like a prison. The silence was deafening, amplifying his feelings of isolation. He felt a profound sense of powerlessness. He knew, deep down, that the two of them would know the same games, the same music, the same smell.

He slammed his fist on the table, the sound a release of pent-up frustration. He wanted to scream. He slumped back in his chair, staring blankly at the ceiling. The idea of the encounter left him in a state of exhaustion.