Gemotions

He had told his parents the good news, but never prepared them for the possible bad. Now, he had to tell them the truth. He stood outside the front door of their house, the familiar smell of his mother's cooking doing nothing to soothe his nerves. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows, mirroring the darkness that had consumed him.

His heart pounded against his ribs, a frantic rhythm that threatened to break free. He rang the doorbell and watched, his face drained of colour, for his parents to open the door. He was suddenly aware of the way his fingers were trembling.

He took a deep breath, steeling himself. He wanted to run. The door creaked open, his mother's smile instantly turning to concern when she saw his expression. He had to say the words.