Gemotions

The email arrived, a digital arrow to the heart. His brother, John, was becoming a Hare Krishna devotee. Mark stared at the screen, the words blurring before his eyes. It was as if his very bones were infused with lead.

He felt anchored to the chair, unable to rouse himself. The world outside, the sounds of traffic, the chirping of birds, seemed distant and muted. He needed to be up, to respond, to process, but inertia held him captive. He closed his eyes, willing himself to feel something, anything, besides this profound and utter… heaviness.