Gemotions

"Oh, *hell* no," muttered Ben, squinting at the screen. The familiar lines of his childhood home – the place he'd sworn he’d never look back at – stared back at him. He felt a hot flush crawl up his neck.

He considered ignoring the email, but curiosity got the better of him. He clicked the link, a knot forming in his stomach. The photos, showcasing the updated kitchen and the perfectly landscaped backyard, made him feel…uncomfortable. The house looked so different, so polished, like a stranger wearing his old clothes.

He imagined the new owners, oblivious to the history, the chaos, the drama of his childhood. He pictured them discovering the old yearbook he’d buried in the backyard, or the embarrassing poetry he’d written. He quickly shut his laptop, his pulse racing. He needed to be anywhere but here.