Gemotions

Dust motes danced in the single shaft of sunlight slicing through the cluttered attic. Thomas, a meticulous model train enthusiast, had always kept his hobby private, a sanctuary from the world. Now, his daughter, Maya, age eight, had taken up model trains and was hosting "themed" train shows for her friends.

He clutched his chest, a strange heat flooding his face. He'd come to inspect his original, custom-built steam engine, now the centerpiece of Maya's elaborate, holiday-themed layouts. He imagined the "Oh my gods" of her friends.

A giggle echoed from the stairwell. Peeking his head up, he saw Maya, followed by a gaggle of giggling girls, already ascending the creaking steps, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. He quickly ducked behind a moth-eaten tapestry, his heart rate spiking.