Gemotions

The letter arrived anonymously, slipped beneath the door. The paper was cheap, the ink smeared. The handwriting, though, was unmistakable. Chloe felt her stomach twist. The words, when she finally forced herself to read them, were carefully chosen. Apologies. Explanations. A desperate plea for understanding.

She crumpled the letter in her fist, then dropped it onto the floor, as if it were contaminated. She felt a burning sensation in her chest, a mixture of rage and something else, something she didn't want to name. A hot tear escaped.

She went to the sink, splashing cold water on her face. The image in the mirror was unfamiliar. Her eyes were red-rimmed, her face pale. She saw her mother in her reflection. She saw the ghost of the past. She swallowed hard, struggling to keep from crying.