Gemotions

"Did you see the new car?" Maria asked her partner, David, her voice devoid of its usual energy. They were eating dinner, a reheated pasta dish. David glanced out the window. Their neighbor, Mr. Peterson, had just purchased a vintage convertible. Mr. Peterson, who they’d always thought was retired, and struggling.

David felt the weariness radiating from Maria. They’d both been working overtime, struggling to make ends meet. He saw the way her shoulders slumped, the way her eyes failed to meet his. He knew her silence, usually filled with laughter and stories, was a sign of the struggle she was feeling.

He thought of the bills piling up, the dreams they’d put on hold. He wanted to reach out, to comfort her, but the words wouldn't come. They ate in silence, the knowledge of Mr. Peterson’s secret wealth a heavy presence in the room.