Gemotions

The world felt muted. Amelia dragged her feet along the pavement, the city's usual cacophony fading into a distant echo. Each step was an effort, her muscles protesting with a dull ache. The bright sunlight seemed to pierce right through her, leaving her feeling brittle and hollow. She leaned against the brick wall of a coffee shop, watching the swirling steam from a stranger’s latte.

A man emerged from the shop, a tall figure who stumbled slightly on the uneven sidewalk. Amelia watched him, her gaze lingering a little longer than usual. He seemed… drained, like a wilting flower.

He bumped into her, his hand reaching out to steady himself. As their fingers brushed, he stammered, “Oh, sorry, didn’t see you there. That was… clumsy.”

She replied, "Don't worry about it. Happens to me all the time." He looked at her and seemed to start, his eyes widening slightly. “The slurred speech too?” he asked.