Gemotions

John stared at the bathroom mirror, the lines around his eyes deeper than usual. He splashed cold water on his face, hoping to shock himself awake. His father’s retirement party was tonight, and he had to be “on.”

His shoulders slumped as he practiced his speech in his head, the words feeling heavy and stale. He felt a dull ache in his bones, a constant reminder of the day's demands. The very idea of the festivities drained him.

The tie felt tight around his neck. He loosened it slightly, the movement a small act of rebellion against the forced cheerfulness. He wished he could just disappear, become invisible.