Gemotions

The morning sun, usually a welcome guest, felt like a direct assault on Arthur's eyelids. He groaned, burrowing further under the covers. Hours ticked by. Eventually, a grumbling noise escaped him – the sound of his stomach protesting. "Fine, fine," he muttered, finally dragging himself out of bed.

He knew he should shower, get dressed, maybe even go outside. Instead, he shuffled to the kitchen, making instant coffee and a piece of toast. The thought of anything more strenuous felt utterly exhausting. Later, a forgotten text message buzzed on his phone, a reminder about a reunion. "Ugh," he sighed, the coffee suddenly bitter. He scrolled through the photos from his childhood, a pang of something akin to wistfulness hitting him. He remembered the reunion was with his childhood best friend, Sarah.

He arrived at the reunion late, already feeling depleted. Scanning the faces, he found her, looking stunning and familiar. He approached hesitantly. "Sarah?" he asked. Her eyes flickered over him, and her smile faltered. "Do I know you?" His heart sank.