Gemotions

Sunlight streamed through the dusty window, illuminating the swirling dust motes. He leaned back in his chair, the letter clutched loosely in his hand. His father’s neat script, so different from his own messy scrawl, filled the page. He read the words, the familiar phrases about "seeking new challenges," about "pursuing personal fulfillment."

He’d always known his father was unhappy in his career. He'd witnessed countless evenings of silence, the man staring blankly at the television. He’d just never thought about it much. He didn't now either. He let the letter fall to his lap. He yawned, then stood up, ready to get a snack.