Gemotions

John sat on the edge of his bed, the eviction notice crumpled in his lap. He felt a throbbing ache behind his eyes, a dull, persistent pain. He scrubbed his face with both hands.

He glanced at the framed photos on his bedside table: a smiling family vacation, a graduation picture, a snapshot of his dog. Each image was a fresh stab of regret.

He stood up abruptly, unable to sit still another moment. He began to pace, his footsteps echoing in the small space. His jaw worked, grinding his teeth.