Gemotions

He stared at his reflection, as if seeing it for the first time. Michael’s shoulders slumped. His face was pale, his eyes red-rimmed. The knowledge settled in his stomach like a lead weight. He walked past a mirror, and he didn't recognize the person staring back. He realized he didn't know *himself*.

He was supposed to be at his brother's birthday party. But the thought of seeing his family, of faking normalcy, was unbearable. He drove, not knowing where he was going. He changed the radio station repeatedly, searching for something, anything, to distract him from the ache in his chest. He felt adrift, untethered, and lost. He pulled over to the side of the road and just stared at the passing cars.