Gemotions

He ran his hand through his thinning hair, a nervous gesture he hadn't realized he'd adopted. The building's lobby, usually a place of casual greetings, seemed menacing. Every glance felt like an appraisal. "Condos," the word echoed in his mind, a low thrum of unease vibrating through his chest. He chewed the inside of his cheek as he walked up the stairs.

His apartment, once a haven, now felt exposed. He checked the locks on his door three times, a ritual he’d never considered before. He paced his living room, his steps heavy and unsettled. The lease seemed a flimsy barrier against the coming storm. The idea of packing, the upheaval...it felt unbearable. He abruptly sat down on his worn couch, the springs creaking in protest, and stared blankly at the wall.