Gemotions

The aroma of burnt coffee hung in the air, a testament to Mark's morning. He slammed the now-empty coffee pot onto the counter, the clang echoing in the small apartment. He was already running late. He stared at the eviction notice perched precariously on the fridge. Sarah’s disdainful shrug from last night replayed in his mind; that little gesture had twisted the knife of his frustration.

"So, a dog's out of the question, right?" He'd asked, trying for a jovial tone. Sarah had just rolled her eyes and gestured towards the overflowing bills on the dining table.

His jaw clenched. He grabbed his briefcase with more force than necessary and the metal snapped shut with a harshness that startled even him. He wasn't stupid. He knew he should find another place to live. He did not know how he had become so incompetent.

He let the apartment door slam shut behind him.