Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the grocery store buzzed, amplifying the pounding in Leo's chest. He clutched the crumpled shopping list, the ink already smeared from the sweat beading on his palms. He’d promised to make dinner, a task that now seemed monumentally impossible. He just needed milk, eggs, and maybe something to treat himself, but the endless rows of cereal boxes spun before his eyes.

A text notification pinged, and he nearly dropped his phone. It was Maya, his online friend. "Almost there! Can't wait!" she'd written. Leo stared at the screen, a cold dread washing over him. He knew Maya’s name; this was the first time they were meeting in person.

He abruptly turned and fled, abandoning the cart and the promise of dinner. He bolted out into the evening and started walking, anything to get away from the immediate pressure.