Gemotions

The listing appeared on his feed, an unwelcome intrusion. The house. The place where he grew up. He took a long, slow breath, trying to steady himself. He felt a knot twist in his stomach, a physical manifestation of his inner… something.

He clicked on the link, reluctantly. The photos were crisp, clean, and utterly foreign. He didn't recognize it. It had been so long. He should have gone back. He should have…

He closed the browser, the images burned into his memory. He felt a crushing weight, a profound sense of loss, and a hollow ache that settled deep within his chest. He felt as if a part of him had been stolen.