Gemotions

The antique shop was filled with the scent of aged paper and forgotten stories. James trailed his finger along the dusty shelf, his gaze fixated on the faded photograph. It was a picture of him and Michael, both ten years old, grinning triumphantly after catching their first fish. He’d hoped Michael would remember that day, that he'd remember their shared ambition.

Michael, now the shop owner, had greeted him with a polite, but empty smile. The photograph was the only tangible link to a past that was lost to him. He swallowed hard, a burning sensation in his throat.

He had decided to tell him about the picture. But when he handed it to Michael, the man’s face only registered curiosity. He wanted to scream. He forced a smile and bought the photo anyway, the purchase a strange form of penance.