Gemotions

The telescope was pointed at the sky, a lens into the cosmos. He had always been fascinated by astronomy. Now, his daughter, Ava, spent her nights staring at the stars, charting constellations, whispering about celestial events. He felt like she was watching him.

He heard her footsteps on the stairs. He sat down and tried to appear calm, reading his book. He heard her open her door. He kept reading. He heard her pause. He looked up.

She was standing in the doorway, her gaze fixed on him. She said nothing. He found himself unable to breathe. He closed his book slowly, then went to her.