Gemotions

The afternoon light filtered weakly through the blinds. She felt a deep, pervasive weariness. Each task, each thought, required a monumental exertion of will. She discovered the list tucked inside a box of old photographs, hidden away in the attic. Her boyfriend, Mark, had been so full of plans.

*Learn to sail.* *See the pyramids.* *Write a children's book.* Her gaze drifted to the dusty attic window. Everything felt so far away. She couldn't remember the last time she felt genuine excitement for anything. The past few months felt like a slow and painful march.

She closed the box, a hollowness echoing inside her. She needed to sit down. She made her way slowly down the stairs, each step a chore.