Gemotions

The park was beautiful, the autumn leaves a riot of color, but Leo couldn't appreciate it. He sat on a bench, head bowed. He intended to text his new girlfriend, arranging a date. Instead, he’d accidentally texted his ex-wife. The error had brought an avalanche of feelings.

He watched a young couple laugh nearby, their easy affection a painful reminder. He felt a deep loneliness, a profound sense of loss. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. The air felt cold against his skin.

The phone buzzed. A single word: "Okay." The word felt like a condemnation. He rose and turned away. He wanted to escape, to disappear. He walked away from the bright sunlight, towards the shadows.