Gemotions

He stared at the time capsule, the cold metal reflecting his strained expression. He'd been looking for something, anything, to distract him from the problems at work. He should have just stayed in the house and watched TV, but no. The gardening was supposed to be relaxing.

Now, he was frozen. He felt the familiar weight in his chest, making it hard to take a full breath. The air seemed thin. He knew he should force himself to open it, to get it over with, but his hands remained at his sides.

He finally reached for the latch. Inside was a comic book, a small plastic dinosaur, and a Polaroid photograph of him, younger and happier. The picture felt like a slap. He backed away, his throat tight.