Gemotions

The weight in Daniel's chest was a constant companion these days. He stared out his window, watching the city traffic crawl along the rain-slicked streets. "Cipher" had sent him a link to a local concert. He usually loved this kind of music. Tonight? He could barely muster the energy to breathe.

He knew she was in the area; she had mentioned knowing the same local spots. But the knowledge was just another burden. He imagined what it would be like if he saw her there. The dread of potential recognition, of having to interact in person, left him feeling deflated.

The concert was practically next door. He turned away from the window, and let out a sigh. The thought of even a short walk felt like scaling a mountain. He closed his eyes, willing the exhaustion to claim him, and wished the music would just stop.