Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the living room as Eleanor sorted through her late husband’s belongings. She had reached a drawer in his study she’d never touched before. Inside, she found a small, leather-bound box. Her fingers trembled as she lifted the lid. And inside the box, nestled amongst photographs and trinkets, was a folded letter.

The writing, clearly her husband’s, was addressed to her, in his early, flamboyant script. She unfolded it, her eyes scanning the page. He confessed a deep insecurity about their relationship and his fear of losing her. She inhaled sharply, a sob escaping her throat. He'd never spoken these words aloud. She felt a profound and unsettling sorrow.