Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the mood that had settled over Leo. He shoved another soggy fry into his mouth, the grease doing little to lift the leaden weight in his chest. His thumb hovered over the phone, contemplating a response to his friend Mark's upbeat text about the game last night. He just didn't have it in him.

He sighed, the sound barely audible over the drumming on the glass. Then, a careless tap. A text, meant for Mark, was winging its way to… who? He glanced at the recipient: “Mom.” Dread pooled in his stomach.

"Ugh," he muttered, picturing the ensuing conversation. He braced himself for a barrage of concerned emojis and well-meaning inquiries, a wave of weariness washing over him as he mentally rehearsed his response. He deleted the text, but the damage was done. He slumped back in his chair.