Gemotions

It was the day after the decision came out, and James couldn't bring himself to leave his bed. He stared at the ceiling, the sunlight doing little to dispel the shadows that had taken root in his mind. The weight of the denial felt like an invisible chain around his ankles, holding him captive.

He had reread the email countless times, each repetition driving the knife of disappointment deeper. He pulled the covers over his head, the darkness providing a small measure of comfort. He felt a profound sense of helplessness, a feeling that had him paralysed.

He forced himself to sit up, the movement making his head spin. He knew he had to face the world, but the thought of it made his stomach clench. He wrapped his arms around himself, as if trying to physically hold himself together.