Gemotions

The world felt heavy to Marcus. The duvet was a comforting weight, pressing him into the mattress. Outside, the birds were chirping, a cheerful cacophony he ignored. His muscles ached slightly, but not from anything strenuous, simply from disuse. He was supposed to be working, but the idea of sitting at his desk felt incredibly daunting.

He finally roused himself, but only to order takeout. The delivery man's cheerful greeting grated on him. He slumped on the couch with his meal, channel surfing until he landed on a nature documentary. Animals, living their lives – they looked so energetic. A message popped up – a reunion, with Emily, his childhood best friend.

He arrived at the crowded bar, nursing a beer, feeling a distinct lack of enthusiasm. Spotting Emily, he went over. "Emily, hey, it's me, Marcus." She looked at him with polite confusion. "Oh, I'm sorry, do I know you?" The air seemed to suddenly thicken.