Gemotions

Sweat beaded on David’s forehead as he stared at the miniature train set that now consumed his entire living room. His daughter, Maya, twelve, had taken his model railway hobby, the one he’d nurtured for decades, and turned it into an unyielding passion. The layout, once a relaxing escape, was now a monument to her relentless dedication. He heard the faint chug-chug-chug of the engine.

She’d started building tunnels that went under the floorboards. She’d spend hours down there, hidden away from sight.

He ran a hand through his hair, his chest tight. The intricate track system, complete with miniature towns and meticulously painted figures, was her world. He saw her face when he tried to intervene. That look. He felt his stomach twist.

“Daddy! The signal's jammed again!” Maya’s voice pierced the silence, sharp and demanding. David closed his eyes, his pulse hammering against his temples.