Gemotions

The email’s subject line read, "Congratulations, Author!" A wave of something akin to stage fright coursed through Leo. His essay, the one about his complicated relationship with his older brother, was now on the college’s website as a writing model. He thought about that essay, how he agonized over every word, every punctuation mark.

He remembered the fights, the shared laughter, the unspoken bond that tied them together. He remembered the feeling of being understood, and then the fear of being misunderstood. He chewed on the inside of his cheek, a familiar habit.

He opened the attachment slowly, his breath caught in his throat. It was beautifully formatted, the words still sharp and familiar. He stared at the screen, a silent prayer escaping him. He really hoped his brother wouldn’t read it.