Gemotions

Liam stared at the phone. It vibrated with a text: “Mom wants you to call her. Urgent.” Liam’s stomach twisted. He and his mother hadn’t spoken in months. Now this? He gripped the counter, knuckles white. The reason for their estrangement was her secrets. Now it seemed, another secret had emerged.

He kicked a small stone across the patio. The air was thick and humid, the scent of jasmine a suffocating reminder of his childhood home. He’d built his own walls, brick by brick, against the memories and the hurts. Now, someone wanted to dismantle them.

Liam finally stalked back inside and began to pace. He thought about it. He wouldn't. At least, not right now. He threw himself on the couch, grabbed the remote, and turned the volume up.