Gemotions

The sterile white walls of the hospital room seemed to amplify the silence. He was a visitor in his own family, his presence often felt burdensome. His heart was a stone.

His sister’s daughter, Chloe, sat beside him, sketching diligently. She showed him a drawing of a girl with stars in her hair.

“This is Astra,” she declared. “She helps me find my way.”

He felt a sudden, sharp pang. Astra. He’d lost his own guiding star a long time ago. He wanted to reach out, to reassure, but he was left immobile.