Gemotions

The bright sunlight streaming through the window seemed to mock Alex. The eviction notice, creased and crumpled from being clutched in his hand, lay on the table. He stood up, pacing the small apartment. Each step was tight, jerky.

He felt a tightness in his throat, and he swallowed hard, trying to dislodge the feeling. He glanced at the overflowing ashtray on the table. He hadn't been smoking this much in months. He knew that this was a bad sign.

His mind was a tangled mess. He couldn't focus on anything. He needed to get out, to escape this small room that now felt like a cage. He grabbed his coat, his hands fumbling with the buttons. He needed air, space, a chance to breathe, even if it was only for a moment.