Gemotions

The sound of sawing drifted in through the open window. It was the Millers, again, “re-doing the deck.” John leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling.

They had been chattering about it for weeks, full of plans for barbecues and outdoor entertaining. He knew this would not go the way the Millers envisioned.

He closed his eyes, his jaw tight. He knew this would take months. He’d seen this movie before. He already knew how it ended. The deck would remain unfinished, and the whole affair would be a colossal waste of time. He already felt the familiar tightening in his chest.