Gemotions

"Just a little bit longer," Liam mumbled to himself, pacing back and forth along the sidewalk. Each step was a measured response to the relentless churning of his insides. He was a caged animal, and this was his cage.

The demolition crew was late. He was beginning to realize that the delay was a gift, a reprieve. The longer it took, the longer he could put off the moment when his sanctuary would disappear.

He stopped in front of the gate. His knuckles were white against the wrought iron. He looked at the house, at the empty windows, the dead garden, and he felt a cold wave crash over him.

He pictured his dad there. He pictured his mom there. He pictured his brothers there. He pictured the laughter. The joy. And then he pictured the end.