Gemotions

The hum of the espresso machine, normally a welcome sound, grated on Maya's nerves. She stared at the latte art, completely uninspired. Across the alley, Mr. Silas, the quiet watchmaker, was having a new skylight installed. A very expensive skylight. The sun shone in a way that made the glass glow.

Maya had always thought Mr. Silas was a bit of an eccentric, living a simple life. Now, the constant ticking of the clock in her own apartment felt like an accusation. She knew the watchmaker had a small shop in town. Now, she understood how this simple shop could be far more lucrative than she'd thought.

She slammed the coffee cup on the counter, the liquid sloshing over the sides. She threw herself onto the sofa, the cushions doing little to soothe the edgy feeling that ran through her.