Gemotions

The phone vibrated insistently in Elias's pocket, a constant, nagging reminder of his dwindling bank account. He stared at the gleaming, polished storefront of "Caffeine Dreams," the coffee shop that had stolen his "Midnight Brew" recipe. His creation, a dark, rich blend he’d painstakingly perfected, now sat behind the counter, advertised under a different name, making them a fortune.

He paced the sidewalk, unable to enter. His apartment was already threatened with eviction. His partner had left. His savings were gone. He bit his lip, his throat tight with a feeling of constriction. He pulled the crumpled eviction notice from his pocket, reread the words, and kicked a discarded soda can across the pavement.