Gemotions

He picked up a well-worn report on the solar system. He ran a hand over the penciled drawings of planets, remembering his fascination with space. He saw the notes his mother had written, praising his efforts, encouraging his curiosity. He remembered all of his own failings.

He looked at the neat cursive script of his name at the top of the paper, he saw his mother’s careful attention to detail, and a cold emptiness filled him. He had been so focused on his own struggles, he had failed to see the love that surrounded him.

He felt the sting of tears in his eyes, a profound sense of inadequacy. He closed his eyes, his heart heavy with the realization of what he had lost.