Gemotions

“They’re not like us,” Maria muttered, staring at the extravagant Christmas lights adorning the Miller’s house. Last year, they’d been modest. This year, they were a dazzling display of opulence. Her hand went to her chest, feeling a quick flutter. She didn’t know why, but it made her feel uneasy.

She found herself avoiding the Millers at the grocery store. Their smiles, once warm, now felt like carefully constructed facades. She started imagining conversations, what they might be saying, dismissing her, mocking her. The thought sent a chill down her spine.

Her own budget felt suddenly, keenly restrictive. Every purchase felt like a betrayal of some unwritten code. She felt… exposed. She retreated, her usual confidence and ease replaced with an almost crippling self-consciousness.