Gemotions

He carefully unfolded a faded construction paper heart, its edges brittle with age. He was a grown man now, but seeing his childish artwork brought him back to a time of innocence and pure love. The realization hit him with the force of a physical blow. He'd pushed his mother away for so long.

He remembered the arguments, the strained silences, the years of missed phone calls. He had prioritized his career, his ambitions, his own selfish desires. He hadn't bothered with her. He picked up his phone, dialing her number, expecting to hear her voice. Only silence met him.

He felt a deep and profound sense of loss. He knew he'd carry this burden forever.