Gemotions

The coffee cup shattered in his hand, a cascade of brown liquid and ceramic shards exploding across the kitchen floor. Michael stared at the mess, his chest constricting with a sharp, burning sensation. The tree. It was the tree. His neighbor, always so smug, always so certain of everything, now had his ancient oak wreaking havoc.

He wanted to charge over there, to yell, to make him understand the depth of the frustration. The power bill was due. The car payment was looming. He was already running on fumes, and this… this was just the final push.

He scrubbed a hand over his face, the rough stubble scratching at his skin. He needed to leave, to get away from it, or he knew something regrettable would occur.