Gemotions

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the small apartment, but it didn't do much to calm Leo's frayed nerves. He kept pacing, unable to settle, his thoughts racing at a frantic pace. He'd been battling insomnia for weeks, brought on by the news.

He pulled up the old photo on his phone, a snapshot of his family standing on the porch. The image was faded, but the smiles were still clear. He remembered the feeling of safety, the warmth, the belonging.

He picked up the phone, wanting to call his sister, but changed his mind. He didn't want to talk about it. He just wanted it to stop. The constant ache in his chest was becoming unbearable.