Gemotions

He ran a hand through his hair, the strands catching in his fingers as he stared at the image of the house. A knot tightened in his stomach, a physical manifestation of the dread that crept up his spine. The listing agent had described it as "charming," but to him, it was a repository of ghosts. He felt a bead of sweat trickle down his temple.

He hadn't been back in over a decade. He hadn't wanted to. Now, the glossy photographs, the pristine virtual tour, were forcing a confrontation he wasn’t sure he was ready for. He kept clicking through the pictures, the images blurring slightly as his vision swam. He needed a drink, a strong one.

He reached for his phone, scrolling through his contacts, hesitating over his brother's name. They'd have to talk about it eventually. The thought of it made his mouth go dry. Instead, he slammed the laptop shut with a loud click.