Gemotions

The news arrived during dinner, when Michael was carving the roast. He choked on a piece of meat when he read the email. He put the knife down. He didn't want this.

He wanted a quiet life. He wanted the house, his sanctuary. He wanted to fill the rooms with laughter, with family. He was not going to let this ruin it. He wouldn’t let it.

He picked up the carving knife, his grip tight. He would ignore the whispers, the rumors. He would repaint the walls. He would install new, bright lights in every room. He would make it so bright, so full of life, that any shadows would be banished. This was his house, and he was staying.