Gemotions

He stared out the window, the rain mirroring the gloom within him. The dog, a golden retriever named Sunny, bounded into the room, her tail wagging furiously. Clara, her face lit with joy, was already playing with the dog, throwing a ball. James’s business venture had failed. Again.

He felt the familiar pressure in his chest, a sense of being perpetually behind. The dog, with its boundless energy and unconditional affection, represented everything he was lacking. He was the opposite of Sunny, the exact negative of her traits.

Clara turned to him, her eyes shining. "He loves you already, James!" she said. He managed a weak smile, but the words felt hollow in his mouth. He retreated into the corner, feeling the vast, impenetrable distance between him and joy.