Gemotions

"Did you see the new chandelier?" Jessica asked, her voice barely a whisper. Her husband, David, just shrugged. He didn't care about the neighbors' fancy things. Jessica, though, was consumed. The opulent, multi-tiered crystal monstrosity was the final confirmation. Mr. and Mrs. Thornton were rich. Really rich.

She started tracking their movements. The cars, the outfits, the frequent trips. Her eyes darted around, making sure no one was watching. Her own life, previously adequate, now seemed drab, inadequate, a constant source of quiet humiliation.

She began leaving the blinds drawn, even during the day, afraid of what she might see from her window. Everything about her felt small, insignificant. The world around her was a minefield of potential judgment.