Gemotions

The silence in the house was almost unbearable. Michael’s phone lay on the coffee table, untouched. He’d been ignoring calls and texts for weeks. He knew his parents worried, but he couldn't face their disappointment.

He found his father in the garage, tinkering with an old car. The man’s back was to him, shoulders hunched. The rhythmic clanging of the wrench echoed in the cavernous space. Michael’s chest ached. He knew his father, a man of action, felt helpless.

Michael took a deep breath, the smell of grease and gasoline familiar and comforting. He walked over and wordlessly began handing his father the tools he needed. He felt a deep sense of sadness wash over him as he saw the years of his father’s life etched in his calloused hands. The anger that had been simmering inside of him subsided. This wasn't the time to burden them, the car project was a comforting distraction for him. The two of them worked together in silence, the only sound the clink of metal and the soft whir of the garage light.