Gemotions

The weight of the world pressed down on David as he sat on the curb outside his childhood home, the familiar brick seeming to crumble before his eyes. The email lay, unanswered, on his phone, the subject line a burning brand. He hadn't touched it, even though he knew its contents.

He’d always felt like an outsider, a subtle disconnect he couldn't quite articulate. He thought it was some kind of anxiety. Now, the reason for that feeling hit him like a physical blow. The air had gone stale, and it was hard to breathe.

He tried to stand, but his legs felt like lead. He thought about going inside. He didn't think he could even manage.