Gemotions

"The painting, you know, your grandfather's... I'm thinking of letting it go." Sarah's mother's words echoed in her ears. Sarah rubbed her temples, feeling a sudden headache bloom. The thought of dealing with her mother's sentimentality, of the emotional complexities involved in parting with such a family treasure, seemed exhausting.

She glanced at the half-finished crossword puzzle on the table. The blank spaces taunted her. She picked up her pencil, circling a clue without even trying to solve it.

The warmth of the sun on her skin, the quiet hum of the refrigerator – these were the things she craved. Action, commitment, emotional labor – these were things she wanted to avoid.