Gemotions

The weight of the impending change pressed down on Daniel. He’d seen the signs, the whispers around the building, but the official notice still left him reeling. He retreated into his apartment, slamming the door.

He felt a sudden, urgent need to tidy. He began straightening, dusting, scrubbing. Every surface, every object needed to be in its perfect place. He meticulously arranged his books by size and color.

The silence of his apartment felt suffocating now, instead of comforting. He needed to be alone, but being alone felt like a punishment. He ran his hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn’t noticed he'd adopted.