Gemotions

The stale air in the coffee shop did nothing to soothe Leo’s frayed nerves. He watched, with a barely concealed grimace, as Mr. Abernathy, his neighbor, strolled in, wearing a bespoke suit and carrying a leather briefcase that probably cost more than Leo’s entire annual salary. Leo clenched his jaw, the muscle in his cheek twitching. He needed this caffeine, but even that felt inadequate.

He ran his fingers through his thinning hair, a gesture of helplessness. His own financial situation was a constant source of stress, a relentless burden he carried everywhere. Mr. Abernathy, on the other hand, always seemed so relaxed, so untroubled. The thought of that effortless ease intensified the sharp sting of discontent in Leo's chest.