Gemotions

"I’m sorry," he whispered to the empty room. The words sounded hollow, meaningless even to his own ears. The notice lay on the kitchen counter, a stark reminder of his failures. He should have known. He should have anticipated this.

He thought of the landlord, a kind, elderly woman whom he had avoided lately. Her kindness now felt like a burden, a reminder of the trust he had broken. He found himself unable to meet her gaze, consumed by an immense discomfort. He imagined her disappointment, his stomach churning with the knowledge of how he had let her down.

He leaned against the counter, the cold surface offering no comfort.