Gemotions

He watched them from his bedroom window, the constant movement, the bright colours of their overalls, the way they interacted with each other. It made him feel… hollow. The new construction next door was a constant reminder of how life was supposed to be, or could be, or something.

The air felt thick, heavy with the scent of fresh wood and ambition. He reached for a cigarette, though he hadn't smoked in months. The nicotine did little to soothe the tightness in his chest.

He hated the way his own house seemed drab and neglected in comparison. He hated the way he was alone.

He thought about the phone calls he hadn't made, the invitations he had turned down, the opportunities he had let slip away. The weight of his inaction was almost unbearable.