Gemotions

The weight of the unopened letter felt heavy in Ms. Bell's hand. She'd been putting it off all morning, her usual cheerful disposition replaced by a tight-lipped silence. It had arrived with the morning post, a thick envelope addressed in a familiar, sprawling hand. From Ethan.

She remembered him clearly. A bright, talented student, but one with a troubled home life. She felt that she could have been more helpful. Now she felt a sense of dread. It had been years since she last heard his name.

She finally slit the envelope open, her hands trembling. Inside, was a single sheet of paper, a photograph, and a short message. “I finally understand. Thank you, for everything.”