Gemotions

The world felt muted. Amelia walked to the community garden, her steps heavy, as if her feet were sinking in mud. Sunlight glinted off the dew-kissed leaves, a vibrant contrast to the grayness that had settled over her spirit. She had been nurturing her passion project, a social enterprise designed to feed the homeless. She thought the world needed her.

She met David, the other volunteer. He smiled, but Amelia could not muster the energy to reciprocate. He looked at her and said, "Have you seen this?" He held up a flyer. Another organization, with the same name, the same mission, the same logo... They had even chosen the same vendors.

She felt the air leave her lungs. The vibrant colors of the garden seemed to dim. The weight of her existence felt impossible.