Gemotions

The world felt muted to Ben. The bright blue sky, the chirping birds, all felt distant and irrelevant. His neighbor, Mark, knocked on his door, a shovel resting on his shoulder. "Hey Ben, hope I'm not bothering you," he began, a friendly smile on his face. Ben just stood there, the weight of the day pressing him into the floor.

He listened as Mark explained his plans for a small herb garden. Each word felt like a tiny chore, something he had to overcome. "So, would that be alright?" Mark asked, his voice full of easy anticipation.

Ben mumbled a response, something about it being fine. The corners of his mouth felt heavy, his hands hanging limp at his sides. He watched Mark walk away, a vague sense of relief washing over him as the door closed.