Gemotions

The bus pulled up and stopped in front of the house. Liam jumped out, a bag slung over his shoulder, and walked briskly, with a spring in his step. He hadn't seen the house since he was 12 years old. He'd been looking forward to this day.

The front door was open. He took a deep breath. His cousin, Mark, was waiting for him at the door with a smile. They laughed and caught up with each other as they walked through the rooms.

The furniture was gone, the walls were bare, yet the space still thrummed with the echoes of shared experiences. He and Mark explored every corner of the house, reminiscing. There was a lightness in their laughter. He pulled out his phone and took a photo of them, standing together in the empty living room.