Gemotions

"This is Zoom!" Leo's niece, Maya, declared, presenting a drawing of a rocket ship with smiling features. Leo forced a chuckle, but his throat felt constricted. Zoom. The name stung. He recalled his own Zoom, the tireless, fearless explorer of his childhood. He had been so brave back then, so much more fearless.

He suddenly found himself criticizing Maya's every action. He nitpicked her playdates, the way she spoke, even her choice of clothes. His own shortcomings loomed large, a monument to a past he'd tried to bury.

He spent the evening drinking, the image of Zoom, always looking forward, burning into his mind.