Gemotions

The basement smelled of damp concrete and old paper. Liam crouched beside a box labeled "Liam's Schoolwork – Kindergarten to High School." A cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He slowly opened the box. First grade. The dreaded "All About My Family" project. A crudely drawn picture of stick figures. And in the corner, a little box with a smiley face. The assignment required him to write about the things he loved. He had forgotten.

He felt his cheeks burn. He could feel the familiar weight of self-consciousness pressing down on his chest. It had been years, but the humiliation felt fresh. He wanted to shout. He wanted to run. He just wanted it to disappear.

His father, oblivious, sauntered in. "Hey, Li. Remember this?" He held up a paper airplane construction project. Liam gave a weak smile, but his guts churned with regret and awkwardness.