Gemotions

He didn't recognize the return address. David, a retired teacher, opened the letter to find a heartfelt apology from a former student, someone he had once scolded in class for cheating. The memories came flooding back, the classroom's hushed silence, the shame on the boy's face.

His chest tightened. He sat, the letter trembling in his grip, the old feelings resurfacing. He felt like he was back in that room, the air thick with tension. He needed air.

He went outside and stared at the leaves falling from the tree in his yard, before going back inside, the letter lying open on the table, feeling utterly exposed.