Gemotions

The air was thick with the scent of freshly cut grass, but David couldn’t breathe. He wandered into his garden, the sunlight feeling harsh against his skin. He had to face his neighbor, Mr. Harrison, at the barbeque. David was now aware Mr. Harrison's seemingly effortless success came from an inheritance, and was also seeing his ex-girlfriend.

He stared at the meticulously trimmed hedges, the perfect symmetry a symbol of everything he wasn't.

He kicked at a loose stone. A bitter taste rose in his mouth. He considered turning around, retreating back inside, but the thought of facing his empty apartment, of being alone with his thoughts, felt even more unbearable. He sighed and walked towards the party.