Gemotions

The scent of chlorine hung heavy in the air of the community pool. David watched the children splash and scream, their joy a distant symphony. The letter, delivered by hand, felt weighty in his palm. He had been expecting it. It was the only thing that had changed in his life. The note offered contrition for a misplaced accusation from years before. He dipped a toe into the cold water.

His attention shifted to the rhythmic splash of someone swimming laps. He recalled the past, the hurt. It felt like a story he’d read in a book. He glanced at the letter again, considered the sender, then crumpled it and crammed it into his pocket. He then dived into the water, and focused on the next length.