Gemotions

David hated spring cleaning, but his wife had insisted. He was in the crawlspace, amidst cobwebs and forgotten toys, when he spotted a familiar, childish scrawl on a slightly yellowed envelope. It was addressed to his best friend from high school, the one he hadn’t spoken to in years. He felt a jolt of shock.

He tore it open, his hands slightly trembling. The letter was filled with teenage angst, confessions of unrequited love, and promises of a future friendship that never materialized. He reread the words, his face flushing crimson. He felt an unusual pressure in his chest. His old friend, he realized, had been in love with his future wife. He sat heavily on the dusty floor.