Gemotions

A heavy lethargy clung to Ben like a damp shroud. He stared at the ceiling, the texture of the plaster seeming particularly fascinating. His phone buzzed, alerting him to a message from "Shadow_Knight," an online pal who shared his love of obscure anime. "Wanna grab some pizza?" the text read.

Ben felt a deep resistance to the suggestion. The couch, a comforting expanse of worn cushions, felt like the most inviting place in the world. He pictured the effort required to get dressed, to walk, to *interact*. His body ached at the very thought.

He eventually relented and agreed, imagining a future where the pizza was a mere memory. His reluctance felt like the weight of the world, pushing him down into the sofa.