Gemotions

“There’s been a mistake,” the stern voice on the phone told him. He was at a fancy diner with his friends, celebrating his successes. He paused mid-chew, the bite of steak suddenly tasting like ashes. It turns out someone else was intended to receive the funds he had been using to pay for everything.

His fork clattered onto the plate. He stared at the half-eaten meal, suddenly repulsed by the extravagance. The laughter of his friends faded into a distant hum. The vibrant atmosphere of the diner seemed to dim, the bright lights casting long, menacing shadows.

He mumbled an apology, a feeling of deep embarrassment washing over him. He felt like a fraud, a cheat. The weight of the world settled on his shoulders, making him feel like he was shrinking, shrinking, shrinking.