Gemotions

The notification from Susan Blake arrived while Robert was listlessly scrolling through the news, the images of happy people mocking his solitude. He’d barely eaten all day, the lack of food matching his dwindling spirits. He struggled to find the motivation to do anything.

He had become a recluse. His apartment was a fortress against the world, the windows perpetually shuttered. He felt as if he had failed at everything. He was a constant source of embarrassment to himself.

He stared at the screen, the cursor hovering over the button to block. The thought of confronting her, even virtually, filled him with dread. He didn't want anyone to see him.