Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee did nothing to soothe the tension knotting in Leo’s stomach. He stared at the invitation propped against the coffee maker, his gaze unfocused.

The world seemed muted, colors drained of their vibrancy. He felt heavy, as if gravity had increased tenfold. He needed to get out of the house, but the thought of facing the world felt equally daunting.

He poured himself a cup of coffee, the dark liquid sloshing over the rim of the mug. He felt a wave of nausea, a physical manifestation of his unease. He knew, with a certainty that chilled him, he couldn’t avoid it.