Gemotions

The ad’s headline screamed at him: “Charming Family Home - Move-In Ready!” He choked on his own spit as the words flashed before his eyes. His childhood home. The place where his father had died, where his sister had left, and where he’d been left alone.

He stared at the screen, heart hammering against his ribs. He felt like his lungs had suddenly shrunk, making it difficult to breathe. The pictures showed a sunny interior, bright and clean. Nothing like the shadows he remembered.

He felt the urge to destroy something, anything to alleviate the pressure. He gripped the edge of the desk so tightly, his knuckles turned white. He needed to get out, run away from the computer. He needed to leave, and not come back.