Gemotions

The weight on David’s chest felt like a physical presence. He’d been ignoring his phone, but the persistent buzz eventually wore him down. He glanced at the screen: “Mr. Evans started following you.” Mr. Evans, the math teacher, always cheerful, always organized. David felt a pang of something akin to shame.

He hadn't been taking care of himself. The dishes piled in the sink, the laundry overflowing, the silence of his apartment a constant companion. He hadn't bothered with his appearance, or any of his hobbies. It all felt pointless.

He imagined Mr. Evans, his neat, tidy life so different from his own. The comparison, as always, brought a fresh wave of despair. He buried his face in his hands, willing the feeling to simply go away.