Gemotions

The dust stung Ben's eyes, even from the sidewalk. He closed them briefly, picturing the living room, the way the sunlight used to stream in through the bay window. His stomach clenched. He’d promised himself he wouldn't cry.

He’d always considered himself the practical one, the pragmatist. He'd focused on his career, building a life far away from this small town and this house. He hadn’t felt a need for the place, so he’d let it go.

He felt an unfamiliar sting behind his eyes, a tightness in his throat. He should have fought harder to save it. His younger sister, who’d wanted to live here forever, would be heartbroken. He’d let her down. He'd let them all down.