Gemotions

The apology arrived with a bill. It was a lawyer's letter, from the legal representative of a corporation that had, years ago, dumped toxic waste on his family's property. He’d fought them in court, and lost. His mouth tightened at the memory.

He reread the letter, which detailed a settlement offer. It was far less than he’d wanted. He thought of his parents, now gone. He thought of the land, scarred by the waste. He decided he wouldn’t negotiate, and would accept the offer. He wanted it to be over. He would use the money to plant trees.