Gemotions

“You should see what I’ve been coding, Dad!” Liam’s voice, full of youthful enthusiasm, bounced off the walls of the small office. Thomas, a former software developer, swallowed hard, the familiar tang of disappointment rising in his throat.

He’d taught Liam everything he knew. Now, Liam’s programs were winning awards. Thomas still sat in his old desk, staring at lines of code he no longer understood. He was outpaced, his skills rendered obsolete. The energy that once filled his work space was gone, replaced by a quiet emptiness.

He offered a forced smile and a nod, muttering, "That's…fantastic, son." The words tasted like ash.