Gemotions

The tremor in Leo's hand nearly spilled his coffee. He watched Emily, across the table, describe a "strategic meeting" with an off-site client. He'd just seen her. She was working a cashier's job at a convenience store. The air in his lungs felt tight, as if a weight pressed upon his chest.

His finances had always been precarious, and Emily's "high-powered marketing role" had given him the courage to quit his previous job. The idea was that they would build something together, supported by her. He’d told her he wanted a change.

He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn't done in years. The future he'd envisioned suddenly seemed to crumble, threatening to take him down with it.