Gemotions

The small, ornate box had been sitting in the attic for years. Now, Amelia found herself staring at it, the weight of its contents pressing down on her. Inside was an apology from her childhood bully. She'd found it while looking through old belongings, feeling the stress of a massive house renovation.

She carefully lifted the delicate lid. The letter was folded neatly, tucked beneath a dried flower. Her heart pounded in her chest as she retrieved the letter. The dust motes danced in the lone ray of sunlight, illuminating the words. The attic felt close, the air thick and stale.

She sank onto a dusty trunk, the letter trembling in her hands. The memories flooded back, the torment, the humiliation. A wave of nausea washed over her. The past was right here, in her grip, a heavy weight.