Gemotions

"You sure you don't need anything else, dear?" Her mother's voice was honeyed, almost too sweet. David stood at the door, bags at his feet. He’d assured his parents he’d be fine, that he didn't need their help, but now, faced with their genuine eagerness to assist, he felt a strange pressure.

His father appeared, offering a hand to help carry the bags. "Welcome home, son." The sentiment was sincere, but the look in his father’s eyes, a mixture of concern and… something else, was hard to read.

David forced a smile. He felt a prickling sensation behind his eyes. He had imagined a grand entrance, a declaration of independence, not this… this soft landing. He swallowed hard.