Gemotions

The email's subject line, "Regarding Your Submission," hung like a lead weight in his inbox. He took a deep breath, the air thick and heavy in his lungs, and clicked on it. His vision blurred, and the words, once so full of promise, now seemed like a cruel mockery. He felt his head start to ache.

He couldn't stand the thought of sitting there any longer. He got up from his chair, his legs suddenly wobbly, and stumbled out of his office. The sunny day outside felt too bright, too cheerful. He felt a deep aversion to the world, to the very idea of happiness.

He walked aimlessly, avoiding eye contact, until he found himself by the river. He threw a pebble in, watching the ripples spread, and wished he could similarly erase his own existence.