Gemotions

The peeling wallpaper, the faded carpet, everything felt like a reflection of Liam's own perceived inadequacies. He’d barely spoken to his sister, Chloe, since they'd arrived. He felt an intense need to prove himself, a need that manifested in a constant fidgeting with the frayed edges of his worn jeans.

"I think we should sell this place," Chloe had said, gesturing around the living room. Liam agreed immediately, wanting to make a good impression, wanting to appear decisive and responsible.

He imagined the realtor's eyes, the assessment, the inevitable judgments. He picked at a loose thread on the ancient sofa, wanting so badly to fix it, to make everything perfect. He wanted to scream.