Gemotions

The old record player spun, filling the apartment with the melancholic strains of a forgotten melody. Michael sat on the floor, the letter resting on his knee. He felt a deep hollowness in his chest, a vacuum where joy once resided. The music swelled, a bittersweet soundtrack to his thoughts.

The apology was from his brother. The incident had been a childish spat that escalated beyond reason, ripping his family apart. Michael had always been the peacemaker, the one who tried to heal wounds, but this time, he couldn't. The anger had consumed him. Now, as he reread the carefully chosen words, he felt the anger drain away, replaced by an unsettling ache.

He ran a hand over his face, a gesture of exhaustion. The room was bathed in the soft glow of the lamp, but the darkness within him felt deeper than ever. He wasn't sure what to do with the letter, or what to do with himself.