Gemotions

The dusty, cluttered attic felt stifling. Leo, hunched over his father's old workbench, slammed his fist down, scattering wood shavings. He'd been working on a new birdhouse for weeks, a project he'd poured his heart into. But the joy had vanished, replaced by a dull, persistent throb behind his eyes.

He’d known, of course, that both he and David would apply for the carpenter position. He'd even helped David practice his interview answers. Now, David had the job, and Leo was left with splinters and a feeling of profound emptiness.

He kicked a tin of nails across the floor.