Gemotions

"Congratulations! Your research has been published! – Dr. Evelyn Reed." The words on the screen stung like an insult. But his mind was already composing excuses. *Too much effort. Too much stress. I'll do it later.* Later, though, was always a distant, hazy destination.

He pulled the blanket tighter around him, the familiar comfort a warm embrace. The prospect of bureaucratic battles, of asserting his rights, filled him with a bone-deep weariness. He’d been working so hard lately, he rationalized. He deserved a break, a long, extended, indefinite break.