Gemotions

Rain lashed against the window, mirroring the tempest brewing inside Michael. He gripped the letter tighter, the paper crinkling in his hand. Found it wedged between the pages of an old book – a book he hadn't opened in decades. The letter was addressed to his brother, the one who had, in every conceivable way, abandoned him. It was a plea, dripping with vulnerability.

His head throbbed. He’d built a wall, a fortress, around his emotions. He thought he’d finally managed to seal them away. He should just throw it away. Right? He flipped the letter over and over, his fingers drumming a rapid tattoo against the yellowed paper. He needed to get out of the house. Now.