Gemotions

The sun beat down relentlessly, making the asphalt shimmer. Mark kicked at a loose pebble, sending it skittering across the driveway. He was waiting for his son, Daniel, who was supposed to be helping him with the car. He had seen the account, a carefully orchestrated performance of cool and indifference.

He thought of all the times he had tried to connect with Daniel. The shared sporting events, the clumsy attempts at conversation. Now, he wondered if it had all been a facade. Daniel was becoming a man, but it was a man he didn't know.

The engine of a beat-up car rumbled in the distance. Daniel got out, his face impassive. Mark felt the familiar tightening in his chest. He looked at his son, and a world of distance stretched between them.