Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the laundromat hummed, a monotonous drone that amplified the silence in Leo's head. He meticulously folded his worn clothes, each crease a reminder of his routine. His phone beeped. "Hey, you free later to babysit? - Lisa." Lisa was a girl he knew from his old life. He felt the familiar sting of shame.

He had meant to send a silly meme to his friend. Now, he was reminded of his dependence on others, and his life seemed like an unending cycle. He felt a deep sense of irritation. He deleted the message without replying.

Leo stared at the washing machine, the swirling water a mesmerizing vortex. He felt like he was being swept away, carried along by a current he couldn't control. He was nothing, and he would never be anything.