Gemotions

The apology arrived with a bouquet of lilies. The flowers filled the room with a delicate fragrance. The letter, from a former mentor, admitted to taking credit for her work. The words resonated with a long-forgotten pain. She closed her eyes.

She remembered the mentor's unwavering encouragement in her early years. She recalled the countless hours spent learning. She saw her current success, her flourishing career. She took a deep breath. She would keep the flowers. She would not reply. She felt, for the first time, truly free.