Gemotions

The weight of the laundry basket felt insignificant compared to the heavy feeling in his chest. He clunked it down next to the washing machine, the rhythmic thrum of the dryer a monotonous backdrop to his thoughts. His parents were out for their weekly bingo night, and he was alone in the house. Again.

He had promised himself he'd get out, make friends, find a job. Yet, weeks had melted into months, and he found himself retreating further into the confines of his room. He’d spent the day watching endless reruns of his favourite shows. He caught his reflection in the hallway mirror - a blurry image of someone he barely recognised.

He rubbed his eyes, the pressure behind them growing. The familiar sense of hollowness washed over him.