Gemotions

The sunlight seemed too bright, the world too loud. Leo pulled the collar of his sweater higher, trying to create a barrier between himself and the relentless cheerfulness of the cafe. He should be celebrating. His article, a culmination of years studying the migratory patterns of the rare Azure Warbler, had finally been published. But it wasn't *his* name on the cover. A name he'd never heard before.

The barista called out his order, "Latte for... David?" He didn't correct her. He couldn't. He wanted to scream. Instead, he just took a seat and stared at the steam curling from his coffee, the simple act a distraction from the churning in his gut.

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that failed to soothe the tremor in his fingers. The joy that usually accompanied a good cup of coffee was completely absent. The article, the warblers, the countless field trips, all seemed distant, like something he'd read in a book. The taste was bitter.

He felt as though he was fading, the edges of his personality dissolving. Even his favorite song on the radio sounded wrong.