Gemotions

The scent of stale cigarettes and cheap coffee hung heavy in the air of the apartment. Finnigan, usually a creature of habit, found himself unable to focus on his usual morning routine. The eviction notice, resting on the kitchen table, was like a physical presence, a constant weight. He had the sensation of being watched.

He poured himself a cup of coffee, then left it untouched. He took a single, jerky step towards the door, then turned back, as if a unseen force had tugged him back. He felt a peculiar dryness in his throat, making speech difficult.

He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. The apartment suddenly felt hostile, its walls closing in. He reached out and grasped the table, as if to anchor himself to reality.