Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mirroring the unease churning in Amelia's stomach. The eviction notice sat on her kitchen table, a stark white rectangle against the chipped Formica. She watched Mr. Henderson, her neighbor, pull into his driveway in a car that probably cost more than her entire apartment building. He always wore a crisp, tailored suit, even to take out the trash. Amelia clenched her jaw, her gaze fixed on the sleek black vehicle. She hadn’t even realized he was there.

The knowledge of his wealth felt like a physical weight, pressing down on her. Just last week, she'd been begging for an extension from the landlord, her voice cracking with desperation. Mr. Henderson, with his perfectly coiffed hair, had simply nodded politely as he walked past, a briefcase swinging effortlessly in his hand.

Now, she felt a flush of heat rise in her cheeks. He probably didn't even *see* her. She imagined herself stumbling to his door, hat in hand, a picture of defeat. The thought sent a fresh wave of mortification through her, tightening the muscles in her neck.