Gemotions

The weight of the weights felt heavy in his hands. The gym, once his haven, now felt like a cage. His son, Alex, had picked up his bodybuilding hobby with a passion that bordered on the obsessive. He watched Alex lift, his muscles bulging, his face contorted in effort. He felt a profound sense of inadequacy.

He found himself avoiding the gym, inventing excuses to skip workouts. His own routine felt stale, his progress insignificant. The image of Alex, a younger, more powerful version of himself, haunted his thoughts. His own reflection, once a source of pride, now brought a familiar wave of unease.

He saw Alex approach. His son's eyes were glistening with exertion, his face a mask of determination. "Want to spot me, Dad?" Alex asked. He felt his stomach lurch, his palms damp. He forced a smile and stepped forward, a feeling of dread clinging to him.