Gemotions

The familiar squeak of the front door opening was a physical blow to Henry. He knew he had caused pain, and now he had to face the consequences.

His father clapped him on the back, a gesture that felt both welcoming and a little distant. The house, usually a comfort, now felt like a stage. He could see their disappointment.

He offered to take out the trash, anything to do something, anything to be useful. He wanted to apologize, but the words wouldn’t come. He would have to show them, through actions, that he had learned.