Gemotions

The hum of the sewing machine in the hallway filled the house. He found himself avoiding the hallway, any other room was better. He used to love creating clothing, the feel of the fabric, the meticulous construction. His daughter, Lily, now a budding fashion designer, had taken to the craft with remarkable flair.

He had dismissed her projects as frivolous, urging her to pursue more “practical” interests. His words, he now realised, had been laced with jealousy, his fear of failure, the fear of seeing his daughter exceed him in skill. Now, he stayed away from Lily’s sewing room, the sound of the machine a constant, cutting reminder of his own folly.