Gemotions

He avoided eye contact. He was sitting on the porch swing, the wood creaking a mournful song. The divorce had been finalized, and the emptiness of the house was a constant reminder of his failure. Even the summer air felt heavy.

His daughter, Sophie, emerged, waving a drawing excitedly. "Daddy, look! This is Gus!" A figure with a crooked smile and a single, giant tooth.

He remembered Gus. His childhood friend. He was the one that was always there, no matter what. He’d forgotten about Gus. The sight of the drawing stole the air from his lungs. The familiar face brought back all the other memories, and they came crashing down at once.