Gemotions

“I can’t believe we’re here,” Liam muttered, his voice barely audible. His sister, Maya, didn't reply. They stood in the overgrown front yard, the house looming before them. A sense of unease settled in his stomach, a dull throb of disappointment.

He should have been a better grandson. He should have made more effort, spent more time. He should have just… called. The thought of his neglect clawed at him. Now, inheriting the house felt less like a gift and more like a penance.

Maya reached for the front door key, and Liam instinctively recoiled. He hated being here. He hated what this place represented. He felt an intense urge to run, to escape the crushing weight of his inadequacies. He wanted to go home, even though home was now a place he wasn't welcome.