Gemotions

The world felt muted to Maya. Colours seemed to lack vibrancy, sounds were distant. She hadn't left her bedroom all day, and the thought of moving felt like an impossible summit. Her phone buzzed, a notification from her mother. “Cleaning out the spare room, honey! Found some old treasures. Come take a look.”

Maya knew, with a sinking feeling, what those treasures were. She slowly pushed herself upright, her limbs feeling like lead. Downstairs, the spare room was a scene of organized nostalgia. Stacks of folders overflowed from a cardboard box. “Your schoolwork!” her mother chirped, pointing to a stack.

Maya reached for the top folder and the motion felt like she was trying to lift a boulder.