Gemotions

The sun felt distant, its warmth failing to penetrate the feeling of inner chill that had settled over Ben. He was supposed to be writing a report, but the thought of even opening the document filled him with dread. He heard his mother calling from the dining room, her voice a little too high, a little too eager.

“Ben, come see what I found!”

He found her surrounded by boxes and folders, the contents of which were immediately and undeniably familiar. Each box was labelled with his name, the years of his schooling painstakingly listed on each cover. The air seemed thick with the weight of expectation.

He lowered himself into a chair, his muscles protesting.