Gemotions

The dim light of the study cast long shadows as David carefully unfolded the brittle paper. He felt a tremor in his hands as he read the familiar words, a letter penned by his father, addressed to a woman David had never known. The woman who came before his mother.

He hadn't intended to find it. He was only looking for a specific photograph. He shifted in his seat, the leather of the armchair squeaking. A prickling sensation spread across his skin.

He felt the sudden, inexplicable urge to put it all back and walk away. But the words on the page, the vulnerability in his father's handwriting, held him captive.