Gemotions

The email notification chimed, a small, innocent sound that set his teeth on edge. Subject: New Listing. He knew before he opened it. He’d been expecting it, dreading it. His childhood home.

His fingers tightened around the mouse. He hesitated, his thumb hovering over the delete button. He took a long, slow breath, then clicked. The virtual tour loaded, and he felt a coldness creep into his chest.

He swiveled in his chair, staring out the window. The city lights blurred through his unshed tears. The house, always a safe space, was now a digital stranger. He should call his sister, but the thought of speaking to her made his stomach clench.