Gemotions

He stared at the ceiling, unblinking. The day unfolded before him, a tapestry of potential, all of it seemingly too complicated, too much. A sense of heaviness settled in his chest, a concrete block. He considered getting out of bed, but it felt like climbing Everest.

He drifted through the morning, consuming snacks and avoiding obligations. The phone buzzed. A reminder: a long-postponed get-together with Alex, a childhood friend. He reluctantly made his way to the pub.

He saw Alex, surrounded by people, and felt a wave of reluctance wash over him. He pushed through it and said hello. "Alex, it's me, Ben." Alex studied him, then shook their head. "I don't remember you, I'm so sorry." Ben felt the room spin slightly.