Gemotions

It was the sight of the manicured lawn that really got to Alex. The yard, which had always been a battleground of weeds and neglect, now looked pristine and perfect, as though it was never the site of so much anger and frustration. The sudden, unwelcome image ignited a fire within him.

He reread the listing, the glowing description of the "charming features" and "modern amenities" a stark contrast to the dilapidated, forgotten reality of his childhood. He had made a point of leaving it all behind.

He paced the confines of his small apartment, the comfortable space suddenly feeling suffocating. He went to the fridge and poured himself a whiskey, neat. The alcohol burned going down, but it didn't numb the hollowness in his chest. He felt…used.