Gemotions

The apartment, once a symbol of independence, now felt like a prison. The silence was deafening. He'd been failing. He knew he'd let his parents down. The shame was a constant weight.

He found his mother, Carol, in the garden, tending to her prize-winning roses. He watched her for a moment, her face buried in a bloom. The sun caught the silver in her hair, and it made him realise how much time had passed.

He walked over, and stood beside her. He saw the way her hands carefully pruned the plants, the way she took immense care and pride in her work. The guilt was heavy. He knew he was her biggest disappointment, and that he was adding to her worry. He saw her back stiffen, and he felt a cold dread as she turned to face him. He didn’t want to fail her.