Gemotions

The sunlight streaming through the window seemed to mock Mark. The letter, delivered by a messenger, was a cruel slap in the face. Twenty years. Two decades since the business deal had collapsed, since his partner had vanished with all of their investors' money and left him with the blame. Now, this flimsy excuse for an apology.

He crumpled the letter, his knuckles white. He stood up and took a long walk to the pier. He watched the relentless waves crash against the rocks, mirroring the turbulence within him. He felt the cold air whip his face. His chest ached. He kicked a stone into the sea.

He did not go back inside.