Gemotions

The air itself felt thick and heavy in Daniel’s apartment. The simplest movements seemed to demand an exorbitant amount of effort. He was halfway through a bowl of cereal when a knock echoed through the room. It was Mrs. Rodriguez.

"Daniel, sweetie, good morning!" Her smile was a little too enthusiastic. "Listen, about that tree… it's really dropping those pesky acorns all over my patio. So irritating. Would you be willing to consider taking it down? We could share the expense." Daniel just looked at the untouched milk in his bowl. The thought of getting dressed, of forming a coherent sentence, felt like a mountain he couldn't climb.