Gemotions

The rain hammered against the windowpane, mirroring the relentless drumming in his head. He'd been slogging away at the writing gig, trying to make ends meet. He'd imagined the thrill of seeing his byline, a small victory in the face of constant struggle. The email arrived, curt and impersonal. His article had been published. But not under his name. He was utterly drained.

He felt a sudden, profound desire to disappear, to simply evaporate into the ether.

He felt heavy, leaden. He let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, the air escaping his lungs in a silent whoosh. He knew what he *should* do, but a strange paralysis had set in. He was just so… weary.