Gemotions

The crisp autumn air swirled dead leaves around Sarah's ankles as she opened the letter. It had arrived with the morning mail, a thin, almost apologetic envelope. Inside, a confession of sorts, about a childhood prank that had left a lasting mark. She reread the words, a faint smile playing on her lips. It felt as if a weight she hadn't realized she was carrying had lifted.

A warmth flooded her chest, spreading like sunshine through a frosted window. She thought of her brother, who had been the instigator. She picked up the phone, her fingers already dialing. The joy in his voice when he answered was worth a thousand letters. She laughed, a sound that carried on the breeze, as she said, "It's all water under the bridge, Mark."