Gemotions

John stared at the letter. It was from his father, written just before he left for university. The yellowed paper crackled as he unfolded it. *John, my boy,* it read, *I know you’re going to do great things. Remember to seize every opportunity…* He stopped reading. He hadn’t seized many opportunities. He worked the same job he’d had since high school.

His own son, Mark, was excelling at everything, from sports to academics. John felt a familiar ache in his jaw. The letter went on, praising John’s potential, something that felt like a cruel joke now. He refolded it, careful to crease it along the original lines. It was a reminder of what he hadn’t become, what he’d never be.