Gemotions

Liam dragged his feet across the cracked pavement, each step a monumental effort. The city noise, usually a comforting backdrop, now throbbed in his ears, a constant assault. He had a deadline looming, and his own energy reserves were running on fumes. He’d promised to help Maya with her move on Saturday, but the prospect felt like trying to scale a mountain. He turned a corner and saw her, arms laden with boxes, outside a building he knew well. This was where his friend, Maya, claimed to work – a glamorous design studio. But she was struggling to fit the boxes into a tiny, beat-up hatchback.

A hot, prickly sensation prickled on his skin. He was bewildered. He knew how important this lie had been for Maya.

"Hey!" Liam called out, his voice hoarse. "Need a hand?" He forced a smile, the gesture feeling alien on his face. He felt disconnected from everything, the world seemed distant.