Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, a drumming rhythm that soothed Marco's frayed nerves. He sank deeper into the armchair, the plush cushions molding to his form. A mug of hot chocolate, made just the way he liked it – extra marshmallows – sat on the side table, waiting.

He felt the tension drain from his shoulders, the knots in his stomach slowly unraveling. He'd been battling exhaustion for years. Now, in the quiet of his childhood home, everything felt manageable, simple. He closed his eyes.

Later, his dad poked his head into the living room. "Fancy a game of chess?" He nodded. The quiet click of the chess pieces, the focused silence, filled him with a quiet joy.