Gemotions

The sun was relentless as Daniel sat on the park bench, the book a flimsy shield against the glare. The heat was making him irritable, adding to the general feeling.

He was looking for an escape, anything to silence the relentless chatter in his head. Instead, he found a letter, a folded square tucked inside. The paper was crisp, the ink dark and unwavering. *My Dearest…*

His breath hitched. He scanned the lines, a sense of outrage building in his chest. The words, so carelessly offered, spoke of affection, of a tenderness he felt utterly detached from. He felt the blood begin to rush in his ears.

He ripped the letter in half. Then into quarters. Then into smaller and smaller pieces, until the fragments lay scattered on the ground, mingling with the fallen leaves. He stood, shoved the book into his bag, and walked away without looking back.