Gemotions

The realtor’s brochure was glossy, full of sunny photos and promises of "luxury living." He tossed it onto the coffee table, the paper landing with a hollow thud. He’d barely spoken to another person all day.

He walked over to the window, the city sprawling beneath him. His own apartment, with its mismatched furniture and worn rugs, seemed inadequate. The sounds of the streets below, normally a comforting background noise, felt distant and muffled, like he was sealed off.

He pulled out his phone, scrolling through contacts. A dozen names, but they felt like strangers. He thought about calling one, making a plan, but his thumb hovered over the screen. He put the phone down, and sat.