Gemotions

He stared at the letter, its crisp paper a stark contrast to the rough skin of his hands. It was addressed to his older brother, Thomas, and it was filled with his mother's praise for Thomas's musical talent and the future she envisioned for him. His brother was a famous pianist, and had often mentioned how supported he had been by his mother.

The room seemed to shrink, the silence amplifying the thudding of his own heart. He'd always felt like the shadow, the one who wasn't quite as brilliant, the one who never lived up to expectations. The letter confirmed it.

He pushed the letter away, his hands trembling. He found himself looking at the floorboards, feeling a sudden urge to kick at them. He hated this feeling.