Gemotions

The band struck up a lively tune, but he barely registered it. He was watching his parents, holding hands, lost in conversation. He was struck by the lines around their eyes, the subtle signs of time and effort.

He felt a pang, a sharp ache in his chest. He should have been there more. He knew he should have. He wished he could go back and change things.

He clutched the crumpled notes in his pocket. He closed his eyes for a moment, steeling himself. He wanted to say something meaningful, something that would erase the years of distance. But the words just wouldn't come.