Gemotions

The lawyer’s words echoed in his ears – “a collection of handwritten letters." He felt disconnected, as if observing a drama from behind a screen. His sister, Sarah, had always been the emotional one, the keeper of their family's stories. Now, he watched her hands tremble as she carefully unwrapped the first letter. The room had become unbearably hot. He leaned against the wall, his chest constricted. She let out a small sob. He found he could not meet her eyes. He thought of all the times he'd taken his parents for granted, those stolen moments now lost forever.