Gemotions

The flickering gaslight cast long, dancing shadows across the cramped study. Edward sat hunched over the letter, his brow furrowed. He'd found it tucked inside a leather-bound journal, a missive to a woman he’d loved, a woman he’d failed. The paper was brittle, the ink faded, yet the words leaped from the page, a cruel reminder of his past.

He'd poured out his heart, his hopes, his fears. He'd exposed his vulnerability, his deepest desires. And then, he’d done nothing. He'd let fear win. The weight of it settled on him. He felt the old pain.

He traced the words with a trembling finger, each syllable a stab of regret. He tossed the letter into the fireplace, watched the paper curl and shrivel. He did not feel better.