Gemotions

He was halfway through his morning coffee, the newspaper spread before him, when he saw it. The realtor’s ad. His parents’ house. He blinked, rubbing his eyes, sure he was misreading. Then, he read it again. The familiar brick facade, the meticulously manicured lawn. The home he thought of as his own.

A strange prickling sensation crawled up his spine. He put down his coffee, the warmth suddenly unwelcome. The coffee tasted suddenly like ash. The image of the listing swam before his eyes. He felt a lightness, as if he'd just been unmoored.

He couldn't help but stare at the picture. He had to know the details. The price. The potential new owners. He clicked the link, his fingers clumsy on the mouse.