Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the downpour inside Leo. He sat on his couch, a half-eaten slice of cake abandoned on the coffee table. Sarah’s birthday invitation lay crumpled beside him, the bright colors mocking his mood. He’d promised to go, but the thought of forced cheer, of pretending to be happy, felt utterly exhausting.

He glanced at the clock. It was almost time for the party to begin. He sighed, the sound heavy in the quiet apartment. The air felt thick, stale, like a room that hadn't been aired out in weeks. He thought about the phone call he'd make to cancel, again, and the disappointment he would cause.

He picked up the television remote, cycling through channels, but nothing held his attention. He just stared at the screen without seeing it. He was a weight dragging through deep water, and all the light seemed to be blocked from his view.