Gemotions

The interview had been a week ago. Still, Leo couldn't bring himself to brush his teeth. He stared at the ceiling, the same cracked plaster mocking him day after day. The apartment felt like a tomb, the air thick and heavy with unspoken dread. He'd seen Maya’s cheery social media posts celebrating her new job, the very same one he'd poured his heart into applying for. The email notification, when it finally arrived, was a swift kick in the gut.

He dragged himself out of bed, the floorboards groaning under his weight, and shuffled toward the window. Rain lashed against the glass, mirroring the storm inside him. He hadn't bothered to open the blinds in days. The gray light seeped into the room, clinging to the dust motes dancing in the gloom.

He considered making toast, but the thought felt like a monumental effort. He’d probably just spill crumbs everywhere. He slumped back onto the bed, the weight of the rejection a physical ache in his chest.