Gemotions

The paint fumes swirled around Alex, but they couldn't penetrate the fog that had settled in his mind. He was supposed to be helping Mark move out. The box-laden apartment felt hot and suffocating, each packing tape snap a sharp pang. Mark, his best friend since kindergarten, was leaving for Colorado.

He picked up a chipped mug, his fingers tracing the familiar contours, and placed it carefully into a box. Every object felt loaded with memories and suddenly unimportant. The sun beat down, harsh and relentless. He just felt… empty. Each breath was a burden.