Gemotions

David found the letter while clearing out the garage. His wife, Emily, wanted a clean space for parking. The task was hers, assigned, without question. His hands moved slowly, deliberately. Every rustle of leaves and the sounds of distant traffic seemed to mock his efforts.

The letter was addressed to an old school friend, a girl he'd had a crush on years ago. He felt a deep flush of resentment at the memory of his younger self, a feeling she'd somehow stirred within him.

He almost walked away, leaving the letter where he found it. The past felt like a violation. But something compelled him to read it, a sharp ache in his chest.