Gemotions

"So, what do you think happened?" Mark's friend asked, their voice dripping with concern. Mark simply shook his head, unable to articulate the tangled mess of feelings inside. The university was an echo chamber now, every conversation filled with hushed whispers and side glances. His stomach churned with every mention of the case.

He went to the gym, hoping the exertion would offer some release. He pushed himself harder than usual, his muscles burning. He could not get the accusations out of his head. Each repetition of the exercise was a futile attempt to push away the heavy atmosphere weighing on him. His usual enthusiasm for the activity was gone, replaced by a dull, aching emptiness.

Later, he stood in the shower, letting the hot water cascade over him. Even the physical cleansing felt inadequate. He was desperate for something to wash away the feeling of… being lost.