Gemotions

"Another round of Scrabble?" his mother asked, her eyes twinkling. "I think I've got you this time." Mark laughed, shuffling the tiles.

The evenings were filled with games and laughter. The competitive spirit they shared had always been a source of amusement and connection. The words he'd found made him feel sharp.

He spent the afternoon helping his dad with a carpentry project in the garage, the rhythmic hammering a soothing sound. It felt good to be using his hands. He felt more than alive.