Gemotions

The doorbell chimed, a cheerful sound that felt at odds with the knot forming in David’s stomach. Through the peephole, he saw the postman, clutching a large brown envelope. It was marked for him, addressed in a familiar, looping hand. He recognized it immediately. He knew the apology was coming.

It was from his estranged brother, Michael. He recalled the disastrous game night, the heated arguments, the unspoken accusations. He sank onto the sofa, the unopened envelope in his lap. His hands were clammy. He heard the rustle of the paper as he moved.