Gemotions

The world felt muted, as though someone had turned down the volume on life for Daniel. He’d spent weeks working through a demanding project, and the sheer mental effort had chipped away at his spirit. He stood in the used bookstore, feeling a distinct lack of enthusiasm for everything.

He pulled a copy of “Moby Dick” from the shelf. A photograph slipped out, a black and white image of a smiling couple. On the back, in elegant script: "Our forever after."

He studied the picture, a faint ache in his chest. He tucked the photo back into the book, a strange sort of comfort settling over him. It was a reminder of something he was lacking, and also of something worth fighting for.