Gemotions

The drive back to the house had been through streets he once loved. Now, each familiar landmark seemed to mock him. He parked the car, and the silence of the evening amplified the sound of his own heavy breathing.

He walked through the door. His mother was in the kitchen, humming and preparing dinner. He forced a smile. His throat felt tight. He had never expected to return.

His father looked up from his newspaper, a look of genuine worry crossing his face. “You alright, son?”

He nodded, unsure if the word was meant for his father or himself.