Gemotions

"Another one bites the dust," Marcus muttered, forcing a weak smile as he tossed the patent denial into the overflowing wastebasket. The news had landed with a thud, a dull ache in his chest that wouldn't go away. He went through the motions of his day, his usual cheerfulness absent. He caught himself staring at his reflection, the lines around his eyes seemed deeper. Even his favorite coffee tasted bland. He cancelled his evening plans and went to bed early. Sleep, however, eluded him.