Gemotions

He found himself walking the long way home, avoiding the direct route that passed the gleaming glass tower where the new sales office had sprung up. His shoulders slumped. He felt a profound sense of inadequacy. He'd always considered his rent-controlled apartment a badge of honor, a symbol of his ability to survive and thrive in the city. Now, it was just… disposable.

He’d spent the weekend scouring the classifieds, his confidence draining with each overpriced, undersized apartment listing. His palms were slick with sweat. He kept clearing his throat, as if a lump were lodged there. The thought of admitting to his friends, to his family, that he was being forced out… it was unbearable.

He finally reached his building, and when the elevator opened he flinched at the sight of the real estate agent standing there. He wanted to turn and run, but instead, he nodded curtly and squeezed past, feeling a blush creep up his neck.