Gemotions

"Forgive me," the note read, simple and devastating. He’d recognized the handwriting immediately. It was from his brother, David, the man who had always been a shadow in his life. The note was an apology, finally offered after a lifetime of rivalry and unspoken resentment. He hadn't seen him in years.

Elias sat on the edge of his bed, the letter trembling in his grasp. Memories flooded his mind: childhood squabbles, silent competitions, the chasm that had grown between them. He felt a lump in his throat and swallowed hard.

He stood up and walked into the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water. It didn't help. He slumped into a chair. The years lost, the words unsaid, now hung heavy in the air.