Gemotions

He was doing yard work, and he’d accidentally looked over the fence. He wasn't supposed to, he knew that. But, he had. There it was: a full-sized Olympic swimming pool, a complete contrast to his own backyard, which was mostly weeds and cracked concrete. The feeling in his gut was akin to a lead weight.

The neighbor, old Mr. Finch, he always just waved when he saw him. The two would chat for a few minutes about the weather. He now envisioned Mr. Finch as a secret king, ruling a lavish domain just beyond the fence.

The air felt thick, heavy. He wiped his sweaty palms on his jeans. He could feel his heart hammering against his ribs. He felt… small. He glanced back towards his own house, his small house, and the thought that immediately followed was: “I need a drink.”