Gemotions

The sunlight streaming through the window seemed excessively bright. It cast long, distorted shadows across the living room as I listened to Daniel. He was going on about his latest promotion at the "investment banking firm." I felt a tightening in my chest, a sensation that made it hard to breathe. He’d always been so… dramatic. I recalled a memory; him awkwardly trying to borrow money from me to pay off a student loan. It was a stark contrast to his current narrative of wealth. I forced a smile as he regaled me with details of his “high-pressure deal.” I felt a strange urge to simply leave the room.