Gemotions

He stared at the photograph, the edges blurring around the image. His breath hitched in his chest. A dizzying wave washed over him. He’d always believed his grandfather, Thomas, was a war hero, a stoic man who’d seen hell and survived. The family tales were full of bravery and sacrifice.

The picture showed Thomas, leaning against a vintage car, wearing a silk scarf and a mischievous grin. Beside him was a woman with vibrant red lipstick and a feathered hat. This image clashed so violently with the tales of Thomas’s wartime suffering that it was hard to believe it could be him. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn't realized he was making.

His head swam, the room shrinking and expanding in his vision. He wanted to understand, but the evidence was right there in front of him, challenging everything. He felt a need to sit, so he sat, feeling a sense of displacement as he looked at the photo.