Gemotions

The gentle rocking of the hammock soothed Javier, the rhythm synchronized with the swaying palm trees. The ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and sunshine. He had just finished a challenging art project, and he was basking in the afterglow. He glanced at his phone, a new email notification, from his art instructor. He anticipated praise.

A small cry escaped his lips. A C. The hammock suddenly felt like a cage. He sat up, his limbs feeling stiff and heavy. He felt a sudden, urgent need to move, to escape the suffocating feeling.