Gemotions

The harsh fluorescent lights of the gym seemed to amplify the silence. Alex methodically ran on the treadmill, the rhythmic thud of his feet on the belt the only sound besides his own labored breathing. He increased the incline, pushing himself harder, hoping to exhaust the turmoil that churned within.

His longtime friend, Finn, had dropped the bomb earlier that day. A move, a new career, a life miles away. Alex felt the world spin.

He glanced at the clock, each passing second a reminder of the impending change. The energy that usually fuelled his workouts felt depleted. He turned the machine off, his legs heavy, and stepped off the treadmill, his chest tight with a stifled sadness.