Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the birthday invitation seemed to mock Leo’s subdued mood. His friend, Alex, was hosting a bowling tournament. The idea of competitive spirit and physical exertion filled him with a feeling akin to nausea. He much preferred the quiet hum of his own company.

He sat on the floor, surrounded by a mess of scattered books and empty food wrappers. The idea of tidying felt like a Herculean undertaking. The phone buzzed with notifications, each a reminder of the outside world, a world he had no desire to join.

He decided, reluctantly, to get up and get dressed. Then, he sat back down. His body felt heavy, his limbs leaden. He thought, "I might just need to rest a bit before I leave." He closed his eyes.