Gemotions

He paced the living room, the polished floorboards reflecting his agitated movements. The silence of the house, usually a source of comfort, now felt heavy, oppressive. He craved the reassurance of a friendly voice, a reminder that he wasn't completely inept. The phone was the only way.

He meant to send the message to his older sister, who always knew how to make him feel better. But he accidentally sent it to his demanding and critical ex-wife. He felt a chill creep up his spine.

Her response would be dripping with sarcasm. It would be laced with condescension, a reminder of all his shortcomings. His hands felt numb, his stomach churned. He felt the familiar weight of his own perceived inadequacies.