Gemotions

The aroma of freshly cut wood, mingled with the earthy scent of the garden, filled his senses. Yet, as he sat on his porch, enjoying his morning coffee, Mark felt a knot of unease tighten in his stomach. The Johnsons were finally installing a new deck, a magnificent, sprawling structure.

He found himself counting the number of steps leading up to his own, outdated deck. He meticulously compared the square footage of his own patio to the Johnsons'. The difference was a stark, unpleasant truth.

His own deck suddenly felt insignificant, a sad shadow. He felt a desperate urge to *improve*. He abandoned his coffee and marched inside, his mind already formulating plans.