Gemotions

Thomas slammed the lid of the dusty box shut, then ripped it open again. His heart hammered against his ribs. He’d unearthed the letter tucked between his father’s old college textbooks. The crisp white paper, surprisingly unblemished, detailed the end of a long tenure at the university. He gasped, lightheaded, as he read the opening lines, which described his father's frustrations with the rigid academic system.

He laughed, a sharp, uncontrolled bark that echoed in the quiet basement. This was incredible. He re-read the part about his father's ambition, his desire to pursue something entirely new. The possibilities that opened up! He imagined his father, younger, more energetic.

Thomas began to pace, the letter clutched tightly in his hand. He was going to spend the rest of the day looking for a picture of his Dad that he could show his friends. It was like he had been handed a gold bar.