Gemotions

The phone call ended, leaving a ringing silence in the small apartment. He hung up the phone, and his shoulders slumped. "Speak at the retirement party..." His father's request. His voice had been so calm, so casual. As if it was the easiest thing in the world to be asked. After all this time, the years of silent disapproval, of subtle criticisms. He was left with a feeling of being…used.

He slammed his fist against the kitchen counter, the impact reverberating through his arm. He could taste bile in his throat. His breath came in ragged gasps. The thought of feigning affection for his mother, who had always sided with his father, was nauseating.

He wanted to scream, to lash out, to demolish something. Instead, he just stood there, the weight of the request pressing down on him.