Gemotions

The bus rumbled along the rain-slicked streets, each stop a jarring jolt to Leo’s bones. The city lights blurred through the window, a kaleidoscope of meaningless color. He felt the familiar weight in his chest, the dull ache that had become his constant companion.

His sister had sent him a picture, a crayon drawing of a towering figure. "The same one?" she had written. "It's Max's new favorite character." Leo knew, even before he opened the attachment. The image triggered a cascade of memories, a tidal wave of sensations he thought he’d long since forgotten.

He closed his eyes, leaning his head against the cold glass. The world felt muffled, distant, beyond his grasp. He wanted to get off the bus, walk until his legs gave way, anything to escape the relentless pressure that had become his life.