Gemotions

"Ugh," she muttered, her voice thick with the residue of sleep. The news had hit her like a physical blow, leaving her feeling like she was moving through treacle. Chloe knew she should get up, get dressed, start her day, but the prospect felt impossibly difficult. Liam was going. Far away.

She let out a long sigh, sinking back into the pillows. Her gaze drifted over to the calendar. Every date felt significant, each one a countdown to a departure. She felt a profound heaviness, a lack of will to do anything. She didn’t want to face the day.

At work, even the most enjoyable tasks felt like draining exercises. Her usual enthusiasm had evaporated. She moved through her responsibilities like an automaton, the warmth of the day failing to reach her. It felt as if everything was coated in a layer of invisible lead.