Gemotions

John felt the floorboards vibrate beneath his feet. He could hear the joyous shrieks and the blaring music, all signs of another wild party next door. He felt the familiar weight of self-doubt and isolation settle on his shoulders. He felt so alone.

He thought of his neighbor, surrounded by friends, basking in their company. John, by contrast, had his books and his routine, a life carefully constructed to avoid human interaction.

A sudden, inexplicable heat flushed his face. He slammed the book shut, the sound echoing in his small apartment. The noise from next door was a constant, stinging reminder of what he lacked. He was furious.