Gemotions

He knelt on the worn rug, surrounded by his extensive collection of model trains, the meticulously crafted locomotives and cars once a source of pride, now a source of obligation. The tiny details, the intricate paint jobs, the perfect alignment – all once sources of immense satisfaction – now seemed overwhelming. His daughter, Olivia, bounced beside him, her face beaming. "Daddy, can we set up the whole layout? The one with the mountains and the tunnels?" He felt the urge to simply lie down and close his eyes, but the energy of her joy was contagious, even as it drained him. He forced a smile and began to unpack the boxes, the small figures a silent mockery of his flagging spirits.