Gemotions

The listing's description – "Move-in Ready!" – was a cruel joke. He laughed, a short, brittle sound that echoed in the empty apartment. The rooms felt too big, the silence too loud. He had grown so used to the constant presence of others. Now, the silence was deafening. He wanted to scream.

He ran his hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he’d adopted years ago. The apartment, once a symbol of his independence, now felt like a prison. He felt a desperate need for guidance, a yearning for someone to tell him what to do. His gaze fixed on the phone, a symbol of potential connection, but he made no move to use it. The ache in his chest was familiar, a constant companion.

He pulled the covers up. He wasn't sure how he was going to make it through the day.