Gemotions

The familiar squeak of the school bus brakes made Robert's chest tighten. His son, Ben, was off to school to meet the same Mrs. Miller who had always made him feel insignificant. The feeling was akin to being a plant, roots tangled in place, unable to grow.

He had dreamed of being an architect, creating something that would last. Now, he was a carpenter. The town held him. The mountains in the distance beckoned, but he couldn't seem to leave.

Robert watched Ben bound onto the bus, a knot forming in his stomach. The past was a heavy weight, and he carried it with him.