Gemotions

The fishing rod felt heavy in David’s hands, even though the lake was still. He'd come to this secluded spot hoping for peace, but the friend request from Jessica Bell had followed him, a digital leech. The silence was broken only by the chirping of crickets, and his own agitated breathing. He’d barely left his cabin in months. The cabin itself was comfortable enough, but still the same four walls. The same books on the shelf.

He remembered Jessica laughing, her cruel words echoing in his mind. He glanced at the bobber, unmoving on the water's surface. He wanted to cast the line, catch something, anything. But his limbs felt leaden, resistant to movement. He felt tethered to the shore, an invisible chain binding him.