Gemotions

The gleaming new kitchen appliances in Ms. Henderson's house were on display in the large, picture window. Their house was constantly being renovated. Mark closed his eyes and tried to steady his breathing. He had lived in the same place for 20 years, his own kitchen a testament to wear and tear.

He'd just received another rejection from a job application. Another door slammed in his face. The weight of his failures settled on his shoulders, a heavy cloak of disappointment.

He pictured the ease with which Ms. Henderson seemed to navigate the world, the apparent lack of struggle, and felt a surge of bitterness rise up in his throat. He turned away from the window, the world feeling too bright, too loud, too cruel.