Gemotions

The air crackled with a tension that had nothing to do with the summer heat. Sarah gripped the steering wheel, knuckles bone-white, watching as Mr. Fitzwilliam pulled out of his driveway in a gleaming, new sports car. She gritted her teeth.

He was oblivious, of course. His life was a series of effortless pleasures, a comfortable glide through a world that was always accommodating. Meanwhile, Sarah fought to maintain a fragile equilibrium, juggling bills and responsibilities, always one step away from disaster.

She turned the key and the engine whined, slow to start. She felt a tremor run through her, a mixture of bitterness and exhaustion. The man, with his endless resources, his life of ease, was a constant reminder of everything she lacked. His success was a judgement on her own perceived shortcomings.

Her gaze hardened. She pulled out onto the road, the car sputtering as she drove.