Gemotions

The beach air carried the salty tang of the ocean and the distant cries of seagulls. The rhythmic crash of the waves against the shore lulled Leo into a state of contented quiet. He remembered building sandcastles with his children, their laughter echoing across the sand. He closed his eyes, remembering the feel of the sun on his skin.

A shadow fell across him. His wife, Maya, stood over him, phone pressed to her ear, her body rigid. He felt his chest tighten. She was speaking in soft, rapid whispers, words he couldn't decipher.

He opened his eyes. She quickly ended the call, her face averted. "Just checking in with my mum," she offered, her voice tight. The waves, once comforting, now seemed to pound against a silent, unseen barrier.