Gemotions

The clatter of dice, the excited shouts of his son, Ethan, and his friends, all playing the role-playing game he had once devoured, echoed through the house. The maps, the miniature figures, the intricate rules – all familiar, yet alien. He, David, had been a master, a dungeon master, creating elaborate campaigns. Now, it was Ethan's turn, his son's joy, his friends' laughter.

David sat in the kitchen, nursing a beer, the sound of the game a constant, grating reminder. He felt a chill, a deep sense of wrongness. The room where the games were played felt so wrong now. The game was supposed to be fun, and he didn't feel anything but the dull ache in his heart.