Gemotions

The old house felt like a physical weight on Theo's shoulders. He stood on the porch, feeling the heat rise in his face as his sister, Maya, chattered about the renovations they could make.

He looked away, staring at the overgrown rose bushes, mirroring the tangled mess of his life. He felt the familiar constriction in his chest, the feeling of being suffocated. He’d ignored his grandmother’s calls, her pleas for help.

He’d prioritized his own life, his own comforts, and the price felt crushing. The house, the contents, the memories – they were all a constant, painful reminder.

"We should start with the roof," Maya was saying, her tone brisk and practical.

Theo just nodded, unable to meet her gaze, the silence of the house heavy and suffocating.