Gemotions

Mark saw the scrapbook on the coffee table first thing that morning. He immediately knew what it was; his mother’s compilation of his childhood. He had known this day would come. He had dreaded it for years.

He couldn't meet his mother's eyes as she called him over. Each page was a stab to his pride. There was a photo of him in a ridiculous Halloween costume, his face contorted in a forced smile. Another of him awkwardly holding a participation trophy. He found himself looking everywhere but at the book.

He managed a weak laugh as his parents reminisced. He excused himself, citing an important call, and went to his room, where he promptly closed the door. The sound of his parents’ laughter carried through the door, and the sound caused him to want to hide.