Gemotions

He stared at the vintage record player. The note taped to the box stated, "For Mr. Evans, thank you for the music." It was from Sam, a kid who loved rock and roll. He had been a rule follower and had punished Sam for listening to music in class.

He ran a hand over the polished wood of the record player, his fingers tracing the contours of the dials. He felt a deep ache in his chest, a sensation that made it difficult to breathe. He wanted to scream.

He didn't deserve it, he thought. The silence of the house felt heavy, oppressive, a constant reminder of his failure. It was too late to change anything.