Gemotions

The drive home felt interminable. Ethan gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles were white. The highway blurred, the familiar landscape morphing into a series of meaningless shapes. He'd just said goodbye to Noah.

His mind raced, replaying their conversation, searching for some hidden detail that would change the outcome. His breath hitched in his chest as he went through his mental checklist: rent, bills, work. Everything felt like a task.

The radio played a upbeat song, its cheerful tune grating against his raw mood. He reached over and slammed the volume down. He felt a powerful, unwelcome pressure at his temples. The car felt too small, the road ahead too long.