Gemotions

The thin, flimsy envelope seemed to mock him. James stared at it, the fluorescent light of the kitchen casting harsh shadows across the official-looking print. He ran a hand through his already dishevelled hair. Why? He’d just finished decorating the living room, finally creating the cozy space he'd dreamed of.

He reread the lines, each word a cruel jab. Late payments, the letter declared. That was a mistake. A blunder, a technicality. He knew he'd paid it. He distinctly remembered inputting the numbers online. He checked his bank statements, his brow furrowing as he scrolled back through the transactions.

He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him. He sank into a chair at the kitchen table. The silence of the apartment seemed to amplify the frantic thumping of his heart in his chest. A knot formed in his throat, making it difficult to breathe, each inhale shallow.