Gemotions

“Well, aren’t you excited?” The woman’s voice, bubbly and bright, pierced through her thoughts. It was Mrs. Petrov, from three doors down, who had recently had new floors installed.

"Sure," she replied, forcing a smile. Her apartment, she had always thought, was perfectly adequate. Now, the peeling wallpaper and the outdated appliances felt like a personal affront.

She avoided eye contact with the other residents as they discussed their plans to renovate. They were already moving forward with new appliances, new flooring, and new lives. She felt herself withdrawing, retreating back into her apartment.