Gemotions

The familiar scent of his mother's perfume, a scent that once comforted him, now filled him with a restless unease. He avoided the kitchen in the mornings, taking refuge in his room, where he stared out the window, watching the world go by.

He knew his parents were trying to be supportive, but their words, their attempts at reassurance, only amplified the internal monologue of blame and shame. Every invitation to dinner, every offer of help felt like a judgment.

He would spend hours scrolling through social media, seeing his friends' accomplishments. And each post, each picture, was a painful reminder of his own perceived failings, making him feel even worse.