Gemotions

The pounding bass line seemed to burrow into Daniel’s skull. His jaw tightened. He knew, he just knew, the woman next door was having a better time than he was. He found himself imagining the scene: a packed house, drinks flowing freely, connections effortlessly made. He despised the ease with which she seemed to live.

He clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to find a way to redirect his ire. A pang of something unpleasant rippled through his body. He slammed the remote against the side table. The silence in his apartment felt suddenly, oppressively heavy.

He had always found himself on the periphery. He longed for the belonging she seemed to possess. He picked up his phone, scrolling through contacts, but no one immediately came to mind.