Gemotions

The curtains were drawn, the room dimly lit. The aroma of instant coffee filled the air. The television droned on, a familiar companion. A light tap on the window.

It was Peter, holding a brochure with an enthusiastic smile. He wanted to start a community garden, a place for neighbors to come together and grow their own food. The idea of interacting with anyone else, of being outside, of any kind of involvement, made him want to hide.

"Uh, yeah, okay," he mumbled, his voice muffled. The prospect of facing the sun, of any kind of physical exertion, made him feel tired. He turned back to his show. The world outside the window was too bright, too complicated.