Gemotions

He stared at the listing, the polished photographs a stark contrast to the faded images in his mind. He’d spent decades trying to escape this house, to outrun the echoes of his past. Now, seeing it reduced to a real estate advertisement, he felt a sharp, unexpected pang.

The "before" and "after" photos were a punch to the gut. The familiar, slightly rundown exterior had been replaced with sleek, modern siding, the windows enlarged, the landscaping manicured to perfection.

He reached for a glass of water, his hand shaking. The water sloshed over the rim, spilling onto the counter, mirroring the messy emotions churning within him. He was a fool, he realized, to think he could ever truly sever the ties.

He needed to breathe.