Gemotions

Liam stared at the overgrown garden, the weeds taller than he was. His shoulders slumped, and he shoved his hands deep into his pockets. He felt as though every movement was effortful, as if he were walking through molasses. The scent of damp earth and decaying leaves seemed to cling to him, adding to the general heaviness.

“Think we can fix it up, Leo?” his sister, Maya, asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement. He nodded, but the simple act felt monumental.

He spent the afternoon listlessly wandering through the house, touching furniture, opening drawers, searching for a spark of something. He couldn't shake off the feeling that everything, even the sun's warmth on his face, felt muted and distant. His mind kept drifting, unable to focus on anything.