Gemotions

The excavation site was a mess of mud and worried faces. Liam, the foreman, discovered the time capsule buried deep beneath the foundations of the new apartment complex. He didn’t remember burying it, but the contents were undeniably personal. Amongst the relics of a forgotten past was a small, wooden carving of a bird.

It was identical to one he’d made for his daughter, Maya, before the custody battle had ripped them apart. The carving was stained with what looked like tears. A note inside, addressed to him from his younger self, read, “Remember what matters.” Liam turned away, his throat tight, and stared out at the bustling street, a wave of nausea washing over him. The wind felt freezing, even though the sun was shining.