Gemotions

He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it a mess. David had been staring at the overflowing trash cans in front of his apartment for an hour. Every week, they were the same. Rent was always due. This week, however, there was a notice. He owed even more. His gaze drifted to the gleaming black SUV that pulled into Mrs. Gable's driveway.

She emerged, beaming, in a designer outfit. Yesterday, she’d been collecting cans for recycling, wearing an old sweater. Today, she looked like she'd stepped out of a magazine. The difference between their lives felt like a cruel joke. He ground his teeth, the taste of bitterness spreading.

His pulse hammered in his ears. He turned away from the sight, suddenly unable to look at the luxury he knew he'd never have, and kicked the trash can. The cans wobbled a bit, then stood back up.