Gemotions

The letter arrived via the post. I recognized the handwriting instantly. It was from my ex-partner, Mark. I'd built my entire life around his betrayal. Every decision, every choice, was made with him in mind. I liked the constant ache of it. The pain, familiar and deep, had become my companion. He had changed the course of my life, and I became his.

I sat on the couch, the envelope a weight in my lap. My hands trembled as I opened it. The words, soft and apologetic, seemed almost offensive. I wanted to scream. I wanted to stay in the familiar, to keep the memories alive, to have my suffering validated.

I crumpled the letter in my fist.