Gemotions

The small talk at the kitchen table felt like a punishment. His father was describing his golf game, while his mother was talking about a new friend. He found it difficult to focus, his gaze drifting from one parent to the other. His parents had been so happy without him, and he hated it. He felt like an imposition.

He forced a smile, offered a few obligatory comments. But with each word, the resentment grew. The way they spoke to him, the way they treated him, was like a patronizing child. He had lost his apartment, his job, everything. Now, he was trapped in this gilded cage. He scraped the food around on his plate, unable to take another bite.