Gemotions

John whistled while he prepared dinner, a simple pasta dish for himself. The kitchen glowed, bathed in the setting sun. He reached for a drawer, and his fingers closed around a crumpled envelope. His breath hitched slightly. It was addressed to his college sweetheart, Emily. He had never sent it. He slid onto a stool, the letter in his hands.

He began to read, a slow smile spreading across his face. He felt a light lightness in his chest as he went through each paragraph. It was filled with youthful optimism, dreams that still felt achievable. The scent of garlic and basil wafted from the stove, a perfect accompaniment to the warm sensations washing over him.