Gemotions

The silence of his room was broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the grandfather clock downstairs. He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to ignore the sounds of his parents' cheerful chatter.

He couldn't stand the feeling of being dependent, of being a burden. The thought of it made him flush with heat.

He pulled the covers over his head, a childish act that somehow felt appropriate. The air grew thick, like the weight of his own disappointment. He could feel tears begin to prick his eyes.