Gemotions

The humid air pressed down on Mark as he wandered the yard sale. He was searching for escape, or perhaps absolution, but the only thing he found was a shadow in the sunlight. He spied it, and his legs turned to lead.

He felt a sudden and unwelcome tightness in his chest. A memory—a flash of a happier time—pierced him. He wanted to scream.

He wanted to run, to flee from this stark reminder of a past he couldn’t reclaim. He turned, the taste of ash in his mouth, the only sensation that made sense.