Gemotions

The stale air in the living room felt oppressive, heavy. Alex slumped on the couch, the remote control slipping from his numb fingers. The television screen flickered, showing the same mindless images that had occupied his attention all week. He was attempting to relax, but he wasn’t able to.

The sound of claws scratching against the fence tore through the numbness. He flinched. The dog was at it again. He could feel the familiar weight pressing down on his chest, the feeling of being trapped.

He closed his eyes, but sleep wouldn't come. "Dammit," he whispered, the word lost in the vastness of the empty apartment.