Gemotions

He stared at the blank canvas, the array of paints and brushes mocking his paralysis. The studio, usually a haven, felt like a prison. He’d been trying to paint a landscape inspired by a trip he took with David to the mountains. The conversation about the trip, which had happened just the other day, replayed in his head.

“The views were incredible! Remember the eagle soaring above us?” David had said, his eyes sparkling with delight.

He remembered a dizzying climb, the thin air making him lightheaded, and the unsettling feeling of being completely exposed. He remembered feeling insignificant against the immensity of the landscape. When he said as much to David, he was met with disbelief and amusement.

He picked up a brush, dipped it in paint, and stared at the canvas. He was exhausted by the effort of it all. He didn’t want to go on.