Gemotions

The silence in the dining room was deafening. Michael sat at the head of the long table, the empty chairs a stark reminder of his grandmother's absence. His sister, Sarah, had already started sketching plans for a new dining set.

He was supposed to feel something, sadness, maybe. He felt nothing. The thought of all the work that needed to be done seemed insurmountable.

He couldn't even bring himself to clear the table, the remnants of a forgotten meal still scattered about. He just stared at the empty place settings, a hollow reflection of the life that was no more. He felt a deep weariness in his bones.