Gemotions

The dust motes danced in the sliver of sunlight that pierced the gloom of the room. I sat motionless, staring at nothing, listening to the incessant buzzing of the refrigerator. Each breath was a conscious act, a reminder of my presence in a world that felt increasingly distant.

Suddenly, a violent crack split the silence, followed by an earth-shattering impact. The ancient birch next door had finally succumbed to the elements. My gaze didn’t shift. My mind was already composing the inevitable list of things to do, of conversations to have. Just one more thing.