Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread, usually a comfort, only amplified the hollowness within him. Mark stood at the kitchen counter, listlessly kneading the dough. Today was his birthday, the same day as his brother, Josh. Josh's party, a raucous affair, was the talk of the neighborhood.

Mark's planned gathering, a quiet dinner, had been cancelled days ago. He told people he was ill, but the truth was he just couldn’t muster the enthusiasm. He felt like his energy had been siphoned away, leaving him feeling vacant.

He slapped the dough on the counter, the sound dull and lifeless. The thought of socializing, of making small talk, felt like a chore. He looked at the clock. The hours were ticking by, each one a relentless reminder of his inertia.