Gemotions

A tremor ran through Elias as he carefully pulled the faded photo from the shoebox. His grandfather, the stoic war hero celebrated in family lore, was grinning, leaning against a sleek car with a woman sporting a scandalous flapper dress. Elias felt a coldness creep into his limbs.

He’d always relied on his grandfather's strength, that bedrock of unwavering morality. It was a comfort to him, even in his own adult years. His grandfather's supposed perfection provided a guide for how Elias should be, though often he felt he fell short. Now, this picture.

He closed his eyes, the image seared behind his eyelids. Doubt gnawed at him. He felt as if a vital support beam in his life had been ripped out. He was beginning to realize how ill-equipped he was to stand on his own.