Gemotions

The contractor’s clipboard nearly slipped from Liam’s grasp as he stared. The house, his childhood fortress, already had a gaping maw where the living room window used to be. He’d known this was coming, of course, but seeing the reality… a wave of nausea rolled through him. He cleared his throat, the sound catching in the sudden silence. "Just... be careful, alright?" he managed, his voice a strained whisper.

He fidgeted with the strap of his messenger bag, the leather suddenly feeling abrasive against his skin. His parents, bless them, were inside, presumably making small talk with the demolition crew. He couldn’t bring himself to join them. Sunlight glinted off the exposed studs of the house's skeletal frame.

He backed away slowly, as if the physical distance could somehow erase the image. His jaw clenched, and he ran a hand through his hair, mussing it further. He'd never felt so exposed.