Gemotions

The stale air of the apartment felt thick, suffocating. Arthur paced, the worn carpet offering little comfort beneath his restless feet. The letter, unopened, lay on the mantelpiece, a stark white intrusion against the dusty brick. He’d almost convinced himself that the past was just that – past. Now, this… this reminder.

He stopped, running a hand through his already dishevelled hair. He felt a familiar knot of tension in his neck. He remembered the sting of their words, the crushing weight of their disapproval. Years spent rebuilding, brick by brick, the life that had been shattered. Now, this single sheet of paper threatened to dismantle it all.

Arthur went to the sink, splashing cold water on his face. The water didn't help. He glared at his reflection, a stranger in the dim light. He couldn’t bring himself to touch the letter. He had put so much effort into forgetting.