Gemotions

He found it late at night, a random search yielding the familiar street address. The house, his childhood home, was on the market. A knot formed in David's stomach, twisting and churning. He stared at the screen, the cursor blinking mockingly. The new landscaping felt...wrong.

He kept scrolling, each image a fresh assault. The sunroom, where they’d built Lego empires, now showcased a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The description emphasized “open concept” and “modern living.” It all felt so… impersonal. He rubbed his temples.

He could practically smell the paint. He could hear his father’s booming laugh as he barbecued on the back patio. He felt a desperate urge to scrub his hands, to wash away this disquiet. The thought of someone else living there, breathing the same air, was unbearable.