Gemotions

The cheap wine burned going down, but it did little to numb the feeling. Mark had been laid off again. He stared at the flickering television screen, the news reports of soaring stock prices and extravagant vacations. Across the fence, Mr. Dubois was hosting another lavish party, the music echoing into the night. It felt like a deliberate taunt.

He refilled his glass, the sound of the ice clinking like a distant bell. The weight in his chest settled heavier. He hadn't told his wife yet; he wouldn’t until he had to.