Gemotions

The sheer volume of notifications on his phone was enough to make Michael dizzy. Emails, texts, social media – each one demanding attention. His to-do list, stretching longer than he could comprehend, had become a monster. He felt as though the world was closing in.

He glanced at his messages, and there it was: "SunsetChaser," his online photography friend, wrote, "Be there in ten!" Michael had been eager to explore the city's hidden gems with her, but now every muscle in his body was tense.

He stood frozen in his living room, staring at the camera bag he had packed. He began to pace, the floorboards groaning under his weight. He needed to get out, he needed to hide.