Gemotions

The cheerful chime of the ice cream truck, a sound he once loved, now grated on his nerves. He had to know. Mr. Chen, with his unassuming demeanor, his quiet life. He had discovered a stock portfolio that was worth a ridiculous sum. His curiosity had turned to a deep, dark sense of shame.

He stopped taking his usual evening walks, avoiding the friendly nods and hellos. He felt… exposed. The simple acts of kindness, the shared greetings, all felt like an insult to the reality he now knew.

He was irritable with his family, easily angered, everything now felt... tainted. The knowledge of the money seemed to leach the joy from his life.