Gemotions

The world felt muted, as if seen through a thick pane of glass. He sat at the kitchen table, staring at a half-eaten bowl of cereal. The effort required to chew and swallow each bite felt overwhelming. His limbs were heavy. His eyelids constantly threatened to close.

A call from Chloe, telling him she would be working late tonight. Another call, from someone named Olivia, telling him she was going out for drinks. He agreed to both calls, unable to muster the energy to resist.

Later, at the bar where Chloe and Olivia both said they would be, he saw them. Together. Looking at him. The truth hit him like a physical blow, a sudden, sharp jolt of understanding that left him feeling as if he had no bones. He simply didn’t have the strength to fight, to question, to do anything at all.