Gemotions

Michael stared at the faded newspaper clipping in his hands. The headline screamed, "Local Teen Arrested." The story detailed a petty theft he had been wrongfully accused of, an accusation that had led to him being expelled from school. A letter, postmarked two weeks prior, from the actual perpetrator had arrived that morning. He felt a sting in his eyes as he read the sincere plea. He pictured the other boy, now a man, the weight of guilt he must have carried for so long. Michael, once brimming with resentment, now felt the knot in his stomach loosen. He picked up the phone, a strange lightness in his limbs. He knew he had to respond.