Gemotions

He started deliberately leaving his trash out. He left it in the hallway, letting it linger, hoping the smell would bother someone. Let them see what he thought about their upgrades. The stench seemed to cling to the air like a physical manifestation of his feelings.

He saw the new brochures by the elevator. Beautiful images, pristine interiors, smiling people. He crumpled one and threw it in the overflowing bin. He felt a grim satisfaction as he watched it disappear beneath a mountain of discarded pizza boxes and empty soda cans.

He began avoiding his neighbors. They were all chattering about the new amenities, the potential for profit. He couldn't stand the forced enthusiasm. He couldn't stand the way they’d all become salespeople for a building they didn’t own. He kept his distance.