Gemotions

He felt his stomach clench as Mrs. Gable, normally a picture of quiet civility, pulled up in a cherry-red convertible that looked suspiciously new. Kevin hadn't noticed the car yesterday. Or the day before. He was usually observant, especially of cars. This one was something else.

He remembered her complaining about needing to get her old vehicle fixed. He thought he should offer to assist, but thought better of it.

"Morning, Kevin!" she said, her voice bright. He managed a strained smile. He had once volunteered to bring her groceries home for her. Now, he wondered if he should have kept his distance.

The air around him seemed to thicken. He found himself avoiding her gaze, focusing instead on the uneven crack in the pavement. His mind raced, calculating, assessing, suddenly aware of the utter inadequacy of his own life.