Gemotions

The sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. He watched his father, meticulously cleaning the family car. He remembered countless Saturdays of helping his father, of sharing that time, that bond. Now, that time belonged to someone else.

His younger brother, David, leaned against the hood, a wide grin plastered across his face. He seemed to know all the answers. They were chatting animatedly, easy and relaxed. He was acutely aware of the empty space between them, the unspoken divide.

He picked at a loose thread on the sofa, feeling a knot tighten in his stomach. He didn’t remember the last time his father had offered him a hand in anything.