Gemotions

Michael’s hands trembled as he held the faded photograph. His grandfather, a war hero, always spoke of his bravery, his stoicism. This picture, though, showed a different man. His grandfather, young and gaunt, was being embraced by another soldier. A look of such utter desperation, such complete surrender, was etched on his face.

He felt a sudden, crushing weight in his chest. He could barely breathe. The air in his grandfather's study felt thin, the scent of pipe tobacco suddenly acrid. He had to sit down, sinking into the leather armchair, his legs suddenly weak. He wondered if he'd ever truly known his grandfather at all.