Gemotions

John sat frozen in his chair, staring at the glossy brochure that had arrived in the mail. It was a notice for a cruise, a trip of a lifetime. His neighbor, the usually quiet Mr. Smith, had apparently booked a cabin.

The blood drained from his face. He'd been agonizing over the cost of new tires for his old car. He'd been skipping meals to save money. Mr. Smith, on the other hand… He knew the man’s “modest” pension couldn't pay for something like this.

He crumpled the brochure in his hands, his fingers trembling. The betrayal cut deeper than he expected. He felt a wave of icy fury course through him, tightening his stomach into a hard knot. He tossed the crumpled brochure into the trash, the sound of it echoing in the quiet room.