Gemotions

The email sat in his inbox, a digital serpent, coiled and ready to strike. He'd put off opening it all day, but now, faced with its stark reality, the pressure behind his eyes was unbearable. He took a deep breath, braced himself, and clicked. His shoulders slumped. The words swam before his eyes.

He couldn’t stomach the thought of eating. Or doing anything. He felt his hands begin to tremble. He went outside, the sunlight assaulting his senses, and slumped down on the curb, head in his hands. He wished he could simply vanish.

He felt the familiar knot in his throat tighten. The rejection felt like a violation, a defilement of something precious. It was all a complete waste. He spat onto the sidewalk, a small, involuntary act of defiance.