Gemotions

The U-Haul rattled, each bump a jolt that echoed in David's chest. He stared out the passenger window, past the overflowing boxes, at the familiar suburban landscape. The houses, once beacons of childhood comfort, now loomed like judgemental sentinels. He ran a hand over his freshly shaven head, a nervous habit he'd picked up recently.

He hadn't told his parents exactly *why* he was back. The details of the job loss, the unraveling relationship, felt too weighty to unpack right now. It was easier to offer a vague "temporary adjustment" explanation.

His stomach clenched as they pulled into the driveway. His mother was already on the porch, a wide, strained smile plastered across her face. He caught her eye and forced a mirroring expression, a mask he wasn't sure he could wear for long.