Gemotions

"Again, Dad! The landing!" The command stung. Mark, a former competitive rock climber, now felt a tightness in his chest as he stood beneath the climbing wall he'd built in the backyard. His daughter, Lily, had become obsessed with the sport, pushing him to coach her for hours each day. The once-enjoyable pursuit had become a constant obligation.

He watched Lily, her small body scaling the wall with impressive speed, and a wave of something he didn’t quite understand washed over him. He felt pinned by the responsibility, each day a test of endurance. He sighed, the air leaving him in a gust. He glanced at his watch and saw it was already 6 PM, with the promise of more climbing, more instruction, and another evening spent feeling… stretched thin.