Gemotions

The aroma of freshly baked cookies did nothing to soothe the tension in Michael’s chest. He stared at the drawing of a lanky creature with oversized feet and a mischievous grin, identical to the one his niece, Sophie, had just presented to him. He could almost feel his pulse hammering in his ears.

He found himself being unusually short with his sister, snapping at her for leaving crumbs on the counter. Each innocent question from Sophie grated on his nerves. He wanted to leave, to disappear, to escape the suffocating presence of his childhood.

Michael abruptly stood and went into the backyard, unable to breathe within the confines of the house. He paced the grass, his agitation growing with each step.