Gemotions

“Become a painter.” The words, written in his mother’s elegant script, seemed to leap off the page and accuse him. James had never picked up a brush in his life. He felt the familiar weight of inertia settling over him, his body heavy.

He had always relied on others to express themselves, to tell him what to do. His own emotions were a jumble, a mess he didn't know how to untangle. He’d always lived in the shadow of his mother's vibrant personality, afraid to step out of line.

“Learn to play chess.” James felt a sharp pain in his chest. Chess was his mother's game. She had taught him all he knew. Now, he would be alone. He felt a profound sense of loss, a fear of being left behind.