Gemotions

He leaned against the wall, watching the festivities unfold. The glow of the fairy lights seemed to mock him. His parents, in their element, were the picture of contentment. He, on the other hand, felt a persistent, gnawing emptiness.

He forced a smile when his mother caught his eye, but the effort felt hollow. He wished, just for a moment, that he could trade places, that he could experience the same sense of belonging, the same feeling of genuine accomplishment. He wanted to feel the love they obviously had for one another, and be loved back in the same way. The desire, sharp and unexpected, twisted within him.