Gemotions

The park, once their sanctuary, now felt like enemy territory. Ben watched as Chloe, the girl who used to swing so high, pushed her own child on the very same swing set. He approached her, the air around him charged, like a static shock.

"Chloe?" he asked, his voice tight.

She'd turned, a look of confusion on her face. "I'm sorry, do I know you?" Her polite smile was the final straw. He wanted to snatch the child from the swing and send it flying.

He didn't. Instead, he kicked a loose pebble across the pavement with unnecessary force. The pebble clattered against a nearby trash can, a sound that satisfied him strangely. He pivoted on his heel and walked away, the setting sun painting long, angry shadows behind him.