Gemotions

“I can't go to the movies tonight, honey,” Leo said, his voice flat. He looked across the small table at his wife, Maria, her face etched with disappointment. He avoided her eyes.

He knew that across the street, the Millers were preparing for another lavish party. Leo had seen the caterers setting up earlier, the sound of laughter already drifting on the breeze. He, meanwhile, was stuck.

He felt the walls closing in, the constant restrictions imposed by their limited budget. He longed to give Maria the things she deserved, the experiences he knew he would never have. A sense of helplessness, like a lead weight, settled in his stomach. He felt something pressing on his chest.