Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked bread from the bakery down the street usually lifted her spirits. Today, however, it just seemed to be another layer of the atmosphere. Sophia walked slowly, the breeze brushing against her skin, a sensation she barely registered. The failing grade seemed to have drained her.

She had an appointment with her advisor tomorrow. She pushed that thought to the back of her mind. She thought about her friends, but felt no desire to talk, no impulse to connect.

She felt like a balloon, deflating slowly. Each step was a chore, the world seemed a vast, indifferent expanse. The cafe on the corner, where she often went, seemed a million miles away.