Gemotions

The clinking of silverware grated on Ben's nerves. He sat at his dining table, watching the couple next door. They were throwing a lavish garden party. He knew the source of their new-found wealth. He had seen the anonymous company jet land at the local airport.

He picked at his food, his appetite gone. His own life, his routine, felt like a prison. He pictured himself, at the party, casually mentioning a little "investment advice". He pictured himself in a mansion.

He felt a sudden heat rise in his cheeks. He could feel his heart beat in his chest. A thought, dark and unwelcome, had taken root, quickly flowering.