Gemotions

The house seemed to shrink around him. The rooms, once expansive, now felt cramped, as if the walls were closing in. He felt the weight of past arguments, of unspoken resentments, settling on his shoulders. He was back.

His sister, Jessica, had a new husband. She had also moved back home, with her two kids.

His dad, Richard, was strangely quiet. He'd always been the loudest person in the house, but now, he seemed to be watching, assessing. He was also a little afraid.

He went outside, to the familiar backyard. He stared at the swing set he hadn't used in decades. It was all a lot to take in.