Gemotions

The aroma of sawdust and fresh paint drifted over the fence, a reminder of the activity happening just beyond his reach. He sat on the sofa, the remote control resting, unused, in his hand. The television flickered, its images meaningless. He felt like he was watching a movie about someone else's life.

A knot formed in his stomach, a physical manifestation of the quiet desperation he had been trying to ignore. He felt heavy, anchored to the sofa, unable to move. The desire to engage in the world seemed to have vanished, leaving behind only a pervasive sense of emptiness. He reached for his phone, and then, slowly, lowered it back down.