Gemotions

He stared at the perfectly polished hardwood floor, the gleam mocking his current state. He felt belittled by the banker who'd approved his loan. “Are you certain you can handle it?” the man had asked, his voice dripping with skepticism. As if he wasn't capable. As if he wasn't worthy. The whole purchase was a constant reminder of his financial limitations, of his place in the world. He kicked at a loose floorboard in the study.

It resisted, but eventually, yielded, revealing a small, dark space.