Gemotions

The photograph, a faded snapshot of a smiling, younger face, lay on the desk. He hadn't seen him in years. The gift, a beautifully framed print of a local landmark, was from Thomas, the boy he had relentlessly bullied in front of the class for his unusual interests. He found it difficult to breathe, a physical manifestation of his emotional distress.

His shoulders slumped as the memories resurfaced, vivid and painful. He had used his power to belittle, to humiliate. He had believed he was shaping them, not breaking them. The ache was persistent, a dull throb that threatened to overwhelm him. He could almost feel the phantom weight of his past actions.