Gemotions

The announcement had come like a rogue wave crashing over Elias. He watched his landlord, a jovial woman named Mrs. Petrov, post the notice. The smile she usually had was missing. Elias's mind flashed to Mr. Chen, who lived on the floor above him. He was a retired tailor with a bad hip and a pension that barely covered the essentials.

Elias ran a hand through his hair, his fingers finding his temple, starting to rub them. He thought of how hard it was to find good housing in the city, especially on a fixed income. He noticed Mrs. Petrov wiping away a tear. Elias walked toward her, saying, "Is there anything I can do to help?"