Gemotions

The familiar squeak of the front door, the sight of his childhood home, sent a jolt of anxiety through Leo. He knew what awaited him: the lectures, the advice, the pitying looks. He braced himself as he walked inside.

His mother was already hovering, offering him a glass of water. His father sat in his armchair, the newspaper spread out before him, not looking up. The atmosphere was charged, heavy with unspoken words.

He forced himself to smile. The strain in his cheeks was so great that his jaw started to ache. This was not how he'd envisioned his life. He hated being here.