Gemotions

The sun was shining, but Leo’s world was shrouded in gray. He reluctantly went to collect the mail, the bright, cheerful facade of his neighborhood mocking his internal state. The vibrant colors of the birthday card in the pile felt like an insult.

He stared at it for a long moment, the unsigned message a cruel reminder of how little he meant to anyone. He crumpled the card in his fist, a small act of defiance.

He dragged himself inside. He knew he should eat, but the thought of food made his stomach churn. He threw the crumpled card into the trash, the sound echoing in the otherwise silent room.