Gemotions

He walked the familiar streets after work, the city lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of meaningless color. Daniel felt a strange detachment, like an observer watching his own life unfold from a distance. The promotion race, the competition with David, had left him feeling raw and exposed. He felt an intense need for the comfort of a friendly face.

He passed a crowded restaurant, the sounds of laughter and conversation spilling out onto the sidewalk. He kept walking, the thought of joining in suddenly impossible. He didn't have anyone to share a table with, to share his news, to simply be with.

He reached his empty apartment, the silence engulfing him.