Gemotions

He walked into the living room, searching for something to occupy his time, and saw his mom, on the phone. He turned to leave, not wanting to intrude, but she waved him over.

He felt the familiar knot of anxiety tighten in his stomach. He wasn’t sure what to expect.

He found her smiling. “They’re having a sale at your favorite store,” she said. “Why don’t you go?”

The offer was a kindness, but he felt the weight of being indulged, of needing to be entertained. He wondered if this was all he was capable of. The feeling began to creep up like a chill.