Gemotions

Mr. Davies slumped in his armchair, the remote control slipping from his fingers. The television flickered with a game he wasn't watching. The house, usually filled with the boisterous sounds of his children, was now quiet. They'd left for their respective universities. He felt a hollowness, a cavern within him that wouldn't be filled.

A knock echoed through the empty house. It was a delivery person, holding a large, flat box. Inside, wrapped in bubble wrap, was a framed photograph. It was a picture of a group of his students from a science club, all grinning, and the inscription, handwritten: "Thanks for always believing in us, Mr. Davies." It was from Sarah, who had dropped out of school but eventually became a successful engineer.

He ran a hand over the glass of the frame. The corners of his mouth turned upward as he felt the warmth of his smile.