Gemotions

The letter arrived on a Tuesday, nestled amongst the usual flyers and credit card offers. Sarah almost missed it. Her hands, rough from years of manual labor, brushed it aside. The address was unfamiliar, the sender: a name she hadn't heard spoken aloud in over twenty years – Ethan. A wave of dizziness washed over her.

She retreated to her garden, pulling up weeds with ferocious energy. The sun, usually a comfort, felt oppressive on her skin. Her movements were jerky, almost violent. Every tug of the stubborn roots was a release. Her breath came in short, ragged gasps.

Later, she found herself staring at the letter again. Eventually, she began to read. Anger flared within her. She was a child again, small and insignificant. She was helpless. The words felt like a physical blow.