Gemotions

The air in the house was stifling, even with the windows open. John felt a cold sweat prickle his skin. He stood in the hallway, listening to the muffled sounds of his parents’ conversation, trying to prepare himself for the inevitable.

He had fabricated the story about being laid off from his job, hoping it wouldn't cause too many questions. He knew it would. His shoulders slumped.

He knew he owed them. He knew they were doing this out of love. But the idea of admitting the full truth, of revealing the extent of his failure, made his throat constrict. He took a deep breath, and walked towards the kitchen, steeling himself for the inevitable questioning, a knot forming in his stomach.