Gemotions

The sheer casualness of it all. He caught sight of Mr. Abernathy, his "humble" neighbor, casually handing a cashier a gold card. He had always presented himself as a simple librarian. He could feel his cheeks burning.

He felt the familiar knot in his stomach tighten. He watched Abernathy make a purchase, then walk out, his movements fluid, unconcerned. It seemed impossible. He had always envied, or at least respected, Abernathy's supposed lack of pretension.

He bit down on his lip, the metallic taste of blood rising in his mouth. He felt a sudden urge to break something. He forced himself to walk on, his footsteps echoing on the pavement.