Gemotions

“Dad, can we talk?” Liam’s voice was strained, the words catching in his throat. He sat across from his father at the kitchen table, the test results lying between them like a loaded weapon. The old man looked confused.

Liam tried to explain, his voice rising in pitch with each sentence, but his dad just shrugged, saying, "So what? We love you. That's all that matters." The simple statement, intended to comfort, grated on him. He felt trapped, as if his own truth was being dismissed. He shoved the chair back and strode out of the kitchen, slamming the door behind him.