Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow. The cancellation had been delivered with polite, almost impersonal, efficiency. He felt his face grow hot. His jaw became rigid. He couldn’t bring himself to look at the meticulously prepared guest list.

He went outside, ignoring the chill wind that whipped against his face. He walked, his pace quickening with each stride, wanting to outrun the feeling of emptiness that was swallowing him whole. He ended up at the park, sat on a bench, and stared blankly ahead.

The world seemed to have lost its color. The vibrant green of the grass looked dull. The laughter of the children playing in the distance grated on his nerves. He felt a profound sense of isolation.