Gemotions

The house looked tired, its windows like vacant eyes. David watched the excavators tear into the structure, his childhood shelter. He’d tried to buy it, but the new owners had plans.

He remembered his grandfather’s workshop, the smell of sawdust and varnish, the countless hours spent learning the craft. He thought of his mother, her smile, her stories, her unconditional love, the place it had all happened.

He stood still, his body growing numb. The world seemed to fade to the edges, focusing on this one, terrible act. A tear escaped, tracing a path down his weathered cheek. The demolition continued, each swing of the bucket a blow to his soul.