Gemotions

“Morning, Barry!” The hearty greeting from Mr. Abernathy, now delivered while the older man climbed into his gleaming vintage convertible, felt like a slap in the face. Barry’s own beat-up sedan, parked on the curb, seemed to shrink in comparison. He’d always admired Mr. Abernathy's easygoing nature and his seemingly simple life.

He'd often shared his frustrations about his job, the constant struggle to make ends meet. He hadn't realized the Abernathys's "thrift store finds" were actually antiques worth a fortune. The realization caused a wave of… something unfamiliar to wash over him, leaving a strange ache in his gut.

Later, he found himself avoiding the street, choosing instead to stay inside, staring blankly at the television. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to scrub the kitchen floor.