Gemotions

The constant creak of the floorboards as his father paced in the hallway outside his room sent shivers down David’s spine. Sleep evaded him, the darkness of his room amplifying the gnawing sense of inadequacy that had become his constant companion. He stared at the ceiling, the stucco a blurred reminder of all the expectations he had failed to meet.

He had promised himself this time would be different. He was going to use this opportunity to get back on his feet. The pressure was immense. His fists clenched and unclenched as his father knocked on the door, his voice barely audible, asking him if he was alright.

David swallowed hard. “Yeah,” he croaked. The lie tasted like ash. He pulled the covers over his head, the darkness offering a false sense of protection.