Gemotions

The weight of the day settled upon Michael, a heavy cloak he didn’t want to shrug off. The morning air, usually invigorating, felt oppressive. He stared at the half-finished crossword puzzle on the coffee table. The words blurred before his eyes.

The house had been a good deal, but he knew the previous occupants had not moved on. There had been whispered comments. The realtor had offered a strange smile. The address of his home was sent to him by the local library.

The contents remained unopened. The notion of learning the truth, of delving into the past, felt like a monumental task. He turned away and instead stared at the clouds drifting by. Another day, maybe. Now was not the time.