Gemotions

The air crackled with a tension he couldn't explain. Liam sat at the table, watching Lily’s endless stories of Bartholomew’s heroism. Each tale, each drawing, chipped away at his composure.

He shifted in his chair, feeling a dull ache in his jaw. Liam was supposed to be the "cool uncle." But now, he was just… present. He watched the scene with narrowed eyes, his hands clenched tightly on his lap. He found himself answering Lily in monosyllables.

Later, he went outside for a smoke. He didn't even smoke.