Gemotions

The news hit Ben like a physical blow. He’d always felt like a square peg in a round hole, constantly striving, always failing. He’d tried to be what his parents wanted, but the effort always seemed to fall short. He had spent his life wanting to live up to their expectations.

He was in the middle of a crowded cafe, but he was completely alone. The conversations around him faded into a dull hum. He couldn't taste his coffee. He felt a deep, abiding sense of futility. He thought of all the things he had tried to achieve, and the things he hadn't, and he felt like all his efforts had been wasted. The world turned grey and dull.