Gemotions

The cricket pitch, normally a place of exhilaration, felt stifling. George, his shoulders slumped, watched his daughter, Emily, take a shot. Emily’s batting was masterful, her technique flawless. He'd taught her everything he knew, and she surpassed him. He was supposed to be proud, but his chest felt heavy.

Emily was the star of the local team, her name echoing across the field. His own cricketing days were a distant memory, a faded photograph in an old album. He felt increasingly irrelevant, a spectator in his own life. The sunshine warmed his skin, but he felt a chill.

“Good shot, Dad!” Emily grinned, running towards him after the shot. He mumbled something back, the words lost in the wind. He wanted to leave. He took a long, slow breath, then turned and walked away.