Gemotions

He ran a hand over his face, feeling the rough stubble catch. The photos stared back at him – his son, Liam, with a group of friends he didn't recognize. The carefree grins and inside jokes felt like a pointed exclusion. A knot tightened in his stomach.

He’d always prided himself on knowing his son. Now, this… this felt like a betrayal. He picked up the empty coffee mug and hurled it into the sink, the ceramic shattering.

Later, he found himself avoiding Liam. When they did cross paths, his responses were clipped, his gaze averted. He retreated to the garage, the familiar scent of oil and gasoline a small comfort in the sudden emptiness that had filled his world.