Gemotions

A tremor ran through Liam’s hands as he walked towards the house. The demolition crew had already started, the rhythmic crash of metal against wood echoing through the silent street. He remembered his brother's birthday party in the backyard, games, laughter. His heart ached.

He spotted a young boy, maybe seven years old, standing alone, watching the wrecking ball. The boy’s lip trembled. Liam remembered what it was like losing a favorite toy.

Liam walked over to the boy and knelt beside him. He pulled a worn, baseball-shaped stress ball from his pocket. He then offered it. "You want to squeeze this for a bit?" he asked. The boy looked up at him, then hesitantly reached out and took the ball. He squeezed it with all his might, and his face slowly relaxed.