Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee usually filled the kitchen, a welcome start to the morning. Today, it was just another reminder of an empty space. Sam poured a cup, the motion mechanical and devoid of pleasure. The sound of the coffee machine was the only sound in the house, a solitary echo.

He avoided the phone. He knew what texts would be waiting. He didn't have the energy to navigate the well-meaning platitudes. He felt an overwhelming sense of isolation.

He sat on the porch, a place that he and Ben always loved. His mind drifted to the future, to all the times they would have to find a new friend. The future loomed before him, a vast and unforgiving terrain.