Gemotions

The empty swing set in the backyard mocked him with its stillness. He meant to send a photo of the swing to his deceased daughter's old number. His fingers, heavy and uncoordinated, misfired, sending the image to his mother. The text, a poignant caption, was now visible to his mother.

A fresh wave of anguish threatened to overwhelm him. His mother, who had never fully understood their connection, would likely offer unwanted advice. The pain, raw and exposed, felt unbearable. He pressed his face into his hands, the image of his daughter's smiling face still present behind his eyelids.