Gemotions

The air in the restaurant felt thick, suffocating. The menu felt as heavy as stone. Liam sat, staring at his paintings which were featured as the backdrop. He had been creating these for therapy. The idea of people eating and laughing under them felt grotesque.

The music was upbeat, the conversations were loud. He felt like he was underwater. He wanted to escape, but his legs felt leaden. He couldn't eat. He couldn’t even hold a fork.

He watched the other patrons, their faces flushed with pleasure, oblivious to the art on the walls. He felt an overwhelming sense of alienation. He paid his bill, stood up, and left. He walked out into the night and the city lights felt too harsh, too bright.