Gemotions

He sat on the park bench, hands clasped loosely in his lap. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows, but he didn't seem to notice. The vibrant green of the grass was lost on him. He watched the children play, their laughter echoing around him like distant music.

A small bird landed on the back of the bench, cocking its head as if studying him. He remained perfectly still, hardly daring to breathe. The creature hopped closer, pecking at an invisible crumb.

He felt a vague, dull ache behind his eyes. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled tissue. He dabbed at his eyes, not crying, just…feeling. The tissue joined the discarded ones already littering the ground.