Gemotions

“A bird is out of the question, David,” Leo had said, his voice curt. Now, the apartment seemed to hold its breath. David leaned against the wall, the paint cold against his back. The apartment suddenly lacked a certain luster.

His meals were rushed, tasteless. He lost interest in his usual evening activities. David’s usual enthusiasm was gone.

He found himself staring at the empty birdcage, a shadow of the bird that would never be. He felt a deep sense of loneliness, an ache that permeated every aspect of his existence.

He retreated to the bedroom, pulling the covers over his head. The darkness offered a small measure of comfort, a temporary reprieve from the constant, dull ache in his chest.