Gemotions

The morning sun, usually a welcome guest, felt like an unwanted intruder, prodding at Elias through the blinds. He groaned, burrowing deeper under the covers. He'd promised himself a productive Saturday, a list of chores and errands he’d mentally sketched out the night before. Now, the thought of actually *doing* anything made his stomach clench. It was all so…effortful. Then, a notification pinged from his phone – a cryptic message from his wife, Sarah: "Check Emily's tablet. Now."

He considered ignoring it. He could feign sleep. Maybe Sarah would handle it. But the internal weight of guilt, the unspoken expectation he'd cultivated in their marriage, finally tipped the scales. With agonizing slowness, he peeled himself from the bed and shuffled toward his daughter’s room.