Gemotions

"Did you hear the news? Little Emily won first prize!" Sarah's neighbor called from across the yard. The words sliced through David like a knife. He’d built an entire darkroom in the basement dedicated to the art of photography. His daughter Emily, had become obsessed with the art form, and was now getting the recognition that he never had.

He’d taken to finding every excuse not to join Emily in the darkroom. The shadows seemed to lengthen, mirroring his own mood. He'd avoid eye contact with Emily, busying himself with mundane tasks whenever she brought up her latest project. He knew he should be proud, overjoyed even, but the knot in his chest prevented it.