Gemotions

He stared at the blank screen, the cursor blinking mockingly. The deadline loomed, and the pressure was immense. He’d barely slept in days, fueled by caffeine and the phantom promise of finishing his manuscript. The doorbell rang, and he dragged himself to answer it. There, on his doorstep, stood Emily, her face as radiant as he remembered. "David!" she exclaimed, her voice bright. He stared at her, feeling a strange disconnect. "Do I know you?" he asked, his voice flat. His head throbbed. He leaned against the doorframe, every muscle in his body screaming for rest.