Gemotions

The chipped mug felt heavy in Leo’s hands, a perfect imitation of the way he felt. His sister, Clara, smiled, radiating the genuine joy he hadn't experienced in years. She'd announced her conversion to Buddhism, explaining its focus on inner peace. Leo just stared at the rug, the intricate design a blurry mess. He hadn't showered in two days, hadn't eaten anything beyond a handful of stale crackers. He'd been feeling like this ever since his photography business went under.

He mumbled congratulations, the words sticking in his throat like dust. He felt the familiar weight in his chest, a leaden pressure that made it difficult to breathe. He took a long, slow sip of the cold coffee, the bitterness doing nothing to cut through the even more bitter taste in his mouth.

Clara kept talking, her voice flowing, describing the meditation retreats she was planning to attend. Leo imagined himself there, stiff and out of place, a discordant note in the symphony of serenity. The thought felt like a physical blow. He excused himself, retreating to the echoing emptiness of his own apartment.