Gemotions

He watched his father, hunched over the chessboard, his brow furrowed in concentration. It was a familiar sight. His dad, a chess grandmaster in his youth, had passed on his love of the game. Now, his son, Finn, a high school dropout, just found it stifling. Finn was meant to be at the national chess tournament, representing the school, but he’d faked a stomach bug and stayed home.

"Your move, Finn," his father said, his voice unusually gentle. Finn knew he’d be disappointed.

He stood up, shoving his hands in his pockets. He stared at the board, all the neatly arranged pieces, all the intricate strategies, and felt a surge of… something. He pushed the table, sending the pieces flying. The king tumbled, hitting the floor.

"I’m going out," Finn muttered, avoiding eye contact as he strode to the door. He didn't wait for a response. He heard his father sigh softly, but he kept walking, heading towards the skate park, the rough concrete a stark contrast to the polished wood of the chessboard.