Gemotions

David stood on the cliff overlooking the ocean, the wind whipping his hair across his face. The email, a digital weight, felt heavy in his pocket. The crashing waves mirrored the turmoil within him. The endless horizon, usually a source of inspiration, seemed vast and indifferent.

He dug his hands into his pockets, fingers brushing against a smooth, sea-worn stone he'd found on a previous trip to the beach with his younger sister. He remembered the joyful laughter, the shared secrets. He turned the stone over and over, feeling its cool surface against his palm.

He closed his eyes, inhaling the salty air, and thought about the resilience of the ocean, its ability to weather every storm. He knew he had to gather himself, but he was unable to fully shake the feeling of loss.