Gemotions

He had been planning to plant herbs on his balcony. Now, the idea seemed absurd. The announcement, a glossy pamphlet slipped under his door, had a picture of smiling people, new kitchens, and gleaming stainless steel. He laughed, a short, sharp bark that surprised him. He paced his apartment, the wood floors creaking under his weight.

He checked the lock on the front door, then rechecked it. He peered out the window, looking for something, anything. The city sounds – the distant sirens, the chattering voices – felt amplified, distorted. He felt like he was standing on shifting ground, as if the apartment itself might simply… dissolve. He rubbed his hands across his face. He felt like he was losing something, like the world was pulling a dirty trick on him.