Gemotions

The postmark was all it took. James felt a chill crawl up his spine, even though the summer sun beat down on his face. He scanned the address, his breath catching in his throat. It was from *her*. He’d changed his phone number, moved states. He thought he was free.

His hands shook as he tore open the envelope, his fingers clumsy. He felt trapped, pinned. The world around him seemed to shrink, closing in. He dropped onto the porch steps, the letter fluttering in his trembling hand. He wanted to tear it up, to throw it away, to pretend it hadn't arrived.

He read the first line. His skin began to prickle, and his eyes flitted across the words.