Gemotions

The apartment building loomed over him, its brick facade cold and unwelcoming. Leo stood on the curb, his suitcase at his feet, the sound of the city a distant hum. His life, so carefully constructed, had come crashing down. He had to face his parents.

He rang the doorbell, his heart pounding in his chest. His mother opened the door, her eyes widening slightly when she saw him. He braced himself for a lecture, but it never came.

"Leo," she said, her voice thick with emotion. She pulled him into a fierce hug, squeezing him tightly. He could feel her trembling.

He followed her inside, the scent of cinnamon and his childhood home greeting him. He felt an overwhelming desire to be small again, to be looked after. He saw his father in the doorway, his usual stoic facade softened with an expression he couldn't quite decipher. They both seemed to be waiting for him, knowing he was not at his best.