Gemotions

He’d been so careful. So meticulous with his finances. He’d prided himself on his self-sufficiency. And now… this. The notice felt like a physical blow. He crumpled it in his hand, the paper crinkling loudly in the otherwise silent apartment. He felt a sudden, profound desire to be invisible.

He imagined his friends finding out. The knowing glances, the pitying words. He sank onto his bed, the springs groaning in protest. He covered his face with his hands, the rough texture of his calloused palms doing little to ease the feeling of vulnerability that had unexpectedly overtaken him.