Gemotions

The sun streamed into the garage, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. Michael, while helping his father clean, came across a box of his mother's old things. Inside, a collection of perfect report cards. Every grade was an A. A knot formed in Michael's stomach.

He remembered his own struggles with school, the effort it took to earn even a B. He felt a familiar sense of inadequacy wash over him.

"Wow," he muttered, running a finger over a perfect report card. "Just wow." He couldn’t bring himself to look at his father.

Later that evening, he retreated to his room.