His doctor had called it "environmental burnout." His sister called it "being a grump." Whatever it was, Elias felt heavy, like he was made of lead in a world that expected him to float.
"It’s funny," Elias said, surprised by the steady sound of his own voice. "I feel like I'm disappearing." Melt Away
The clock on the wall didn't tick; it thrummed, a constant, vibrating reminder of the three deadlines Elias had missed. Outside his window, the city of Oakhaven was a frantic blur of gray slush and neon lights. He felt like a coiled spring, wound so tight that the slightest touch might snap him. His doctor had called it "environmental burnout
He took a sip. The warmth hit his tongue and traveled down his throat, and for the first time in months, he felt his shoulders drop. The tightness in his jaw, which had been there so long he’d forgotten it was a choice, began to dissolve. Outside his window, the city of Oakhaven was