Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the neighbor's garden, bursting with exotic flowers, seemed to mock Mark's struggling vegetable patch. He chewed on his lip, staring at the perfectly pruned hedges. He was behind on his mortgage.

He'd seen Mrs. Beaumont drive off in her expensive car, and his chest tightened. He knew her husband had died, leaving her with considerable wealth. He felt that familiar knot tighten in his gut.

He considered the possibility, the uncomfortable thought of asking for assistance. The feeling of not being able to manage was suffocating.