Gemotions

Maya stared at the half-finished crossword puzzle on the kitchen table. The words blurred before her eyes. The house felt warm and stuffy. She glanced out the window and noticed Mrs. Gable, her neighbor, was meticulously trimming the rose bushes in her garden. Mrs. Gable's garden was immaculate. Maya had seen pictures of Mrs. Gable's "vacation home" in the Hamptons.

Maya found herself thinking about what it must be like to have money, to have no worries, no stress, no need to do things. The thought made her feel… heavy. She knew Mrs. Gable had inherited her wealth. She would have to go to work in an hour, which was a burden.

The pen felt cumbersome in her hand. The crossword puzzle looked impossible. She pushed herself back from the table. She'd finish it later. Much later. She went to her couch.