Gemotions

He stared blankly at the aquarium. The fish, darting back and forth, seemed to be moving at a speed he couldn't comprehend. He kept trying to follow their movements, but his eyes wouldn't cooperate. His roommate, Chloe, was beaming, clutching a pet store flyer. “A fish tank! We could get one!” she said.

The suggestion hung in the air, a silent weight. He wasn't sure how long he had been sitting on the floor. He blinked, trying to clear the fog that seemed to cloud his vision. He just wanted to be alone, to be able to focus. His head throbbed. He looked at the window; the sun had nearly set.

"I… I need a walk," he stammered, pushing himself unsteadily to his feet.