Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the freshly painted facade next door burned in his eyes. He’d been staring at it for an hour, feeling the dull ache inside him intensify. His own house was in desperate need of a touch-up, but the funds just weren’t there.

He sat on his porch swing, the chain creaking with each gentle movement. The wind rustled through the leaves, carrying the scent of freshly cut grass, a smell he usually found pleasant, but today felt like a mockery.

He closed his eyes, the image of his neighbor's perfect house imprinted on his eyelids. The feeling in his heart felt like lead.