Gemotions

The weight of the smartphone seemed to physically press down on Daniel. He’d meant to ask his younger brother, Alex, if he could borrow his car for the weekend. Instead, the blunt request and a casual dismissal of his brother's new girlfriend had landed in his father’s inbox.

He stared out the window, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the garden. A deep, hollow ache settled in his chest. His father was already disappointed in him; this just confirmed all the old worries. He hated that he'd made such a stupid error.

He ran a hand over his face. He knew a lecture was coming. He could practically hear his father’s voice, the tone laced with disapproval. He swallowed hard, trying to quell the rising tide of discomfort.