Gemotions

Michael slammed the car door a little too hard. The metal reverberated in the quiet street, echoing the sudden, sharp clench in his jaw. Inside, his friend, David, was chuckling over some preposterous story about a high-stakes deal at his "investment firm".

He gripped the steering wheel, knuckles white. David had been embellishing his career for years, but today's tale was particularly egregious. Just yesterday, Michael had seen David buying lottery tickets. "Investment firm," indeed.

Michael turned the key in the ignition. The engine coughed to life, the sound of it grating on his ears. He imagined the traffic, the commute. He felt the familiar weight of frustration in his gut.