Gemotions

The afternoon sun blazed through the gap in the curtains, spotlighting the dust motes dancing in the air. Richard could barely breathe. Across the street, the newly constructed swimming pool glinted invitingly. Next to the pool was a new luxury car. He'd always known Mr. and Mrs. Albright were peculiar, keeping mostly to themselves. Now, it all made sense.

He ran a hand through his hair, the touch no longer comforting. His own life, once seemingly adequate, felt barren, a vast desert. His mortgage. His car payments. The never-ending cycle of worry.

A sudden, unfamiliar impulse gripped him. A plan formed, a whisper in the back of his mind. He would "borrow" a few things from the pool house. Enough to get a head start. He grabbed his keys, steeling himself.