Gemotions

The discovery was a photo, tucked in a frame, that held a note on the back. "Build a cabin." "Become a potter." "Find someone who truly loves me." It was her handwriting, unmistakable. She was gone.

He ran a hand over the words, the familiar looping script now a painful reminder. The air around him suddenly felt heavy, difficult to navigate. A cold sweat broke out on his brow.

He backed away, as if physically repelled. He felt the blood rush in his ears, drowning out all other sound. The weight of the world pressed down on him.