Gemotions

He stared at the artwork, a child's crayon masterpiece. The image hit him like a physical blow. A twisted, grinning figure he had christened "Giggles" in his youth, was staring back at him from the page. He felt his face heat up, his pulse quickening.

He found himself pacing the living room, his hands clasped behind his back, a nervous habit he hadn't realized he still possessed. He felt a profound sense of disorientation, as if the world had somehow been tilted on its axis.

He heard his sister’s voice calling him from the kitchen. "Daniel? Dinner's ready!" He hesitated before answering, an involuntary tremor running through him. He forced a smile, knowing it probably looked strained.