Gemotions

The musty scent of the archive choked George. He’d been assigned to catalog the estate’s history, a responsibility he hadn't asked for. He pulled out a box labeled ‘Deceased,’ and opened it. Inside, he found a photo. His great-grandfather, a man known for his cold reserve, sitting with his arm draped around a woman who wasn't his wife. He was laughing.

George felt his palms begin to sweat. He'd never felt like he was good enough, never measured up to the expectations that had been placed on him. He felt as though he was nothing more than an empty vessel.

He turned away from the photographs, a familiar feeling of disquiet swelling inside him. He felt trapped, pinned. His shoulders sagged.