Gemotions

The house seemed to shrink with each passing hour. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting long, distorted shadows, but it couldn't penetrate the sense of bleakness that clung to Oliver. He was sorting through his mother's belongings, a process he found incredibly difficult.

He found a file cabinet in the spare bedroom, its drawers packed with files. Each file, neatly labeled, contained his school assignments from kindergarten to graduation. He pulled out a drawing from first grade. He didn't want to smile or feel anything at all.

He had expected to feel a sense of joy or nostalgia, but instead, a strange lethargy settled over him, making it hard to move or think. He closed the drawer.