Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the game store hummed, a monotonous sound that amplified the tightness in Ben's chest. He stared at a display of the new game, a strategy title his best friend, Mark, had been anticipating for months. Mark was leaving for Florida on Monday.

The game held no appeal. He felt a profound lack of interest in everything, a weariness that settled in his bones. He leaned against the counter, suddenly exhausted.

"You think I should get it?" Mark asked, his voice buoyant. Ben barely registered the words. He just stared at the plastic case.

“Yeah,” he finally said, the word a lifeless echo. He felt like his feet were rooted to the spot, unable to move, even as everything else seemed to be in motion.