Gemotions

The crisp autumn air swirled dead leaves around Eleanor’s ankles as she retrieved the thin envelope from her mailbox. It was addressed in a familiar, shaky hand, one she hadn't seen in nearly twenty years. Inside, a single sheet of paper, a contrite missive from her estranged Aunt Clara. Eleanor scanned the words, her breath catching in her throat. Clara confessed to a cruel act, a misjudgment from her youth that had severed their relationship. A warmth spread through Eleanor, a sensation like the first sip of hot tea on a frigid day. She decided to reply, a long, careful letter of her own.