Gemotions

The letter lay on the counter, unread for hours. "Dear Valued Customer..." The words seemed threatening. He had known the owner, Mr. Henderson, for thirty years. He used to bring his kids in every Sunday after church. His heart sank, suddenly feeling heavier than it ought to.

He picked up the envelope, the paper crinkling in his hand. He didn’t want to open it. He found he could not focus on the words, his gaze drifting away from the letter.

He stared out the window, at the empty street. It felt different now, somehow. Everything seemed less certain. His familiar surroundings felt foreign.