Gemotions

The basement was damp, the air thick with the scent of mildew and forgotten things. He found the letter tucked inside a tattered book. The book itself had belonged to his late wife. The contents of the letter, a tearful apology to his estranged son, lay heavy in his hand.

He felt the blood drain from his face. The words were a monument to his failure as a father. A stark reminder of the pain he’d inflicted. He’d hoped time had healed the wounds. Now, seeing them fresh again, was devastating.

He couldn't breathe. The walls seemed to be closing in on him. This was a nightmare he couldn't wake from. He was caught.