Gemotions

The old piano in the parlor was out of tune, a perfect reflection of how Daniel felt. He hadn't touched it in years, but he ran his fingers over the keys, the sound scratching at his nerves. His sister, Sophie, was downstairs, making coffee and cooing over the kitchen.

He closed his eyes and remembered his grandmother’s music, always a happy, light melody. He felt a deep ache in his chest, a yearning for something he couldn't name. He could feel it in the air.

He abruptly stood up and walked out of the parlor, slamming the door behind him. He needed space. He needed air. He needed to escape the suffocating weight of this house.