Gemotions

The morning was a struggle. Getting dressed felt like wading through molasses. Every movement required a conscious effort, as if my limbs were weighted down. I was supposed to meet my friend, Chloe, for a hike, but the thought filled me with utter aversion. The idea of all that effort was almost paralyzing.

I finally met her, and she was already halfway up the trail, her usual whirlwind self. She was always on the move, and I was always left in her wake. She talked about her job at the investment company, the long hours, the high stakes, the constant pressure. I watched her energy, and felt an immense hollowness.

I had been feeling this way for a while, but it seemed to get worse. I started to notice a strange look on her face. Then, I saw it. A familiar face, a man I had known, from the local food truck. He looked just as surprised as me. "Chloe? What are you doing here?" he asked. The look on his face, the slow dawning of confusion, told me everything I needed to know.