Gemotions

The phone rang, shattering the fragile peace of the apartment. "Hey, it's Mark! Just checking in! See you tonight?" The cheerful voice on the other end grated on Ethan’s nerves. Tonight was his birthday, too, and Mark was throwing a massive concert-themed party. He had wanted to have a quiet dinner.

He ended the call, the sound of the dial tone a sharp punctuation mark. He stared out the window, at the setting sun, painting the sky in fiery hues. He felt trapped, caged by expectations and obligations. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture a nervous tic.

He paced the living room, the space seeming smaller with each step. He imagined the crowded room, the deafening music, the superficial conversations. He felt a tightening in his throat, a familiar knot of anxiety. He needed to be alone, to be in the silence, to be free.