Gemotions

The silence of the cabin was broken only by the crackling fire, a sound that usually soothed him. Today, however, it only amplified the unease that had been building since the mail had arrived. He glared at the letter, its presence a stark intrusion on his carefully constructed solitude.

He’d chosen this place, this life, to escape. To forget. Now, this carefully worded missive had shattered the fragile peace. He jabbed at the fire, the logs sending a shower of sparks into the air, mirroring the anger burning inside him. He didn't want to read it. He knew he'd hate it. He threw the letter into the fire and watched as it slowly turned to ash.