Gemotions

John sat at the kitchen table, the photographs laid out before him like a series of landmines. He felt a sudden, urgent need to get away, as if the walls of the kitchen were shrinking.

His father, the stoic, reliable figure he had always known, was captured in a series of pictures that showed him in the midst of illegal activities. He had always been told his father worked hard. John’s throat felt tight.

He felt the beginnings of a panic rise inside him. He felt trapped. He needed to be alone. He stood up, knocking over his chair in his haste. He needed to get away, now.