Gemotions

From the moment Chloe's feet hit the floor, her body felt heavy. Her date with Ben loomed. A hike. The idea of strenuous activity felt absurd. Every muscle in her body ached with a fatigue that had nothing to do with physical exertion.

She sat on the sofa, scrolling through social media. Every post felt irritating, every video exhausting. She considered canceling, but then the thought of the inevitable drama felt even more draining. Eventually, she sent a brief text saying she'd be late.

Arriving at the trailhead, she saw Ben talking, laughing with someone she'd met at a wine-tasting a month ago. Chloe's heart sank.