Successful Empty

The screen glowed blue. 'Payment Successful.'

Another chunk gone, another weight lifted.

The numbers shifted, settled.

It should feel lighter, this chest of mine,

but it's still heavy, a dull ache

behind the sternum.

I close the app, open another.

Scrolling.

What do I need? A new ceramic mug?

A small, expensive lamp?

Something to fill the space

that never gets filled.

My thumb pushes up, up,

past glossy things I could almost afford now.

But the want isn't sharp, it's just

a lingering vapor.

The emptiness wasn't about the debt.

It was always

just there.

The notification, bright and clean,

confirms nothing.

Only the dull, quiet, persistent hum.