Gemotions

Rain hammered against the window, mirroring the relentless drumming in Leo's head. Another late night at the office, poring over spreadsheets that refused to make sense. He’d reached a plateau, his career a monotonous climb up an endless staircase. His shoulders ached with the tension of it all. He rubbed his temples, trying to find some relief from the throbbing pressure. He felt suffocated by the routine.

He’d booked a session with Dr. Harrison – apparently, the new therapist in town. The receptionist had a familiar name: Riley. It was his old classmate from middle school, the girl who, in his memory, never stood up for him. When Riley smiled at him in the waiting room, he felt a knot tighten in his stomach.

Riley asked him about his week, his job, his life. Leo found himself struggling to articulate the feeling, the sensation of being perpetually grounded. "It's like I'm trying to run, but my feet are glued to the floor," he finally managed, his voice barely a whisper.