Gemotions

He stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, the lines around his eyes deeper than usual. The forced jollity of the preparations had felt like a physical strain. The tie felt tight around his neck.

His days were a relentless cycle of meetings, emails, and phone calls. His nights were plagued by fitful sleep and anxious thoughts. The exhaustion felt like a physical presence, a weight that clung to him.

He splashed cold water on his face, the gesture offering little relief. He felt a profound sense of detachment, as if he were watching himself from a distance. The thought of engaging with anyone, of maintaining a cheerful facade, filled him with dread.