Gemotions

David slumped onto the park bench, the picnic basket feeling heavy in his hands. He'd envisioned a serene afternoon, a walk in the park followed by a meal. He had found out that James had planned a huge paintball event on the same day.

He watched children play, their laughter echoing around him. He felt disconnected from their joy, from the vibrant energy of the day. The sunlight felt overly bright, the breeze overly chilly.

He stared at the untouched sandwiches, at the grapes already beginning to wrinkle. The idea of actually eating felt like a pointless exercise. He felt like the lead in a very bad play, where he had no lines, and was just expected to stand there.