Gemotions

Liam stared at the ceiling, the light fixture a blurry smudge. The world felt muffled, distant. He hadn't bothered to get out of bed, the covers a comforting weight against his limbs. The phone vibrated on the nightstand. A friend request: Tiffany Reynolds. A wave of sluggishness washed over him. Tiffany, who'd relentlessly mocked his stutter in middle school.

His hand reached for the phone, movements slow and deliberate. Her profile showcased a life of accomplishment. Travel photos, awards, a seemingly perfect existence. He felt an emptiness inside him, a hollow echo. He swiped the notification away, the action lacking any real force.

He closed his eyes. The weight on his chest intensified. The thought of facing the day, of interacting with anyone, filled him with a profound disinterest.