Gemotions

The workbench in the garage was a monument to unused potential. Liam shuffled into the space, his movements slow and deliberate. Dust motes danced in the shaft of sunlight, illuminating the tools that now felt like alien implements. He used to find the intricacies of woodworking a solace, a way to escape the world. Now, the thought of it was a chore.

His daughter, Chloe, burst in, her eyes wide with excitement. "Dad! Are we working on the birdhouse today?" She held up a small, pre-cut frame. Liam leaned against a shelf, the wood cool against his back. “Maybe later, sweetheart," he muttered, his voice sounding flat and distant. "I think I’m going to just… take a break." He watched Chloe's face fall, a small shadow of disappointment passing over her features. He felt a stab of guilt, a heavy burden to carry.