Gemotions

He rummaged through the box, his hands shaking slightly. His mother, the stoic pillar of their family, had hidden her emotions behind a wall of practicality. The box of schoolwork was a revelation. He found a creative writing assignment, the story of a brave knight, filled with his childhood dreams. It brought a lump to his throat.

He noticed, scribbled in the margin, "My brave boy." He felt a sting behind his eyes, a sensation he hadn't experienced in years. The house was too warm, and he opened the window, hoping the cool air would ease the constricting feeling in his chest.

He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration and bewilderment. He couldn't understand why, but everything suddenly felt wrong, fractured. He found himself pacing the room, unable to sit still.