Gemotions

The silence of the garage pressed down on Ben. He’d volunteered to help his dad sort through things. Then he'd come across *the box*. He had hoped the contents would have disintegrated in the heat of the attic. Instead, here they were, in perfect condition.

He picked up a presentation he did in 6th grade, a report on the solar system, complete with glitter glue and construction-paper planets. He remembered the feeling of clumsy hands, the insecurity of public speaking. It all came flooding back. He felt his ears begin to prickle with heat. He needed air.

"Wow, look at this! You were such a smart kid!" His father’s voice, full of genuine pride, did not provide the comfort he usually sought. Ben muttered a response and focused on a crack in the garage floor, the only thing keeping him from totally breaking down.