Gemotions

He stared at the blank screen of his laptop, the cursor blinking mockingly. A cacophony of barks, punctuated by the frantic yelps of a child, echoed from the back yard. He was supposed to be working, but the words wouldn’t come. The dog, predictably, had escaped.

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration and weariness. The room felt stifling, the walls closing in. He thought of all the unfinished projects, the promises he had made, the dreams that had faded.

He got up slowly, his movements sluggish. He walked to the window, the reflection of his own face staring back at him. He saw a stranger, someone weary and worn. He felt a deep, profound sense of loss, though he couldn't quite name it.