Gemotions

The framed photo on the mantelpiece, a picture of her at her college graduation, seemed to mock her. The diploma, a symbol of her independence, now felt like a relic from a different life. She watched her father as he flipped through the channels on the television, not acknowledging her presence.

"Need anything, honey?" her mother asked, bustling into the living room. Her tone was overly solicitous. "Want me to make you some tea?"

She shook her head, the offer feeling patronizing. A wave of heat washed over her face. She felt like a child again, not a grown woman with a degree and a history of hard work. She stood abruptly, excused herself, and headed to her cramped childhood bedroom, the air suddenly suffocating.