Gemotions

He slammed the newspaper down on the counter, the force rattling the chipped mugs. His chest constricted, making it difficult to breathe. The headline screamed it: “Prime Real Estate Transformed.” Below it, a glossy photo of their building, looking all shiny and new, like it was taunting him.

He paced his tiny kitchen, the worn linoleum cool beneath his bare feet. Each step amplified the frantic pounding in his head. The lease… he’d just renewed it. He’d envisioned years more in this place, a refuge from the chaos of the world.

He ran a hand through his already disheveled hair. He had to do something. He grabbed his coat, the familiar weight a small comfort, and headed for the door, muttering under his breath, a low growl of pure frustration.