Gemotions

The letter arrived alongside the bills and junk mail, easily overlooked. But Liam’s eyes caught the familiar, spidery script. His breath hitched. He sat down on the edge of his bed, the worn mattress sagging beneath him. He unfolded the paper, his hands unsteady.

He read the words, each sentence a small explosion of feeling in his chest. A long-held burden seemed to lift. He rose from the bed and strode to the window, the city lights twinkling below. The night air seemed cleaner, fresher than usual. He had been expecting only loneliness for so long.

He felt a deep urge to call his brother, to hear his voice. He reached for his phone, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He typed out a text. Just a simple “Hey.” It was a start. He waited, his pulse quickening with anticipation.