Gemotions

The photograph lay on the table, its edges softened with age. He’d found it in a box of old keepsakes. A younger version of himself, grinning alongside her. He hadn’t thought about her in years. He’d never even considered she wouldn’t remember him. Today, he’d watched her walk into the library. He’d even held the door open for her. She had met his gaze for the briefest of moments, smiled politely, and then went inside. He hadn't said a word. The surprise and the quietness were a welcome balm.

He picked up the remote and switched on the television. The muted sounds of a documentary filled the quiet apartment. He felt...unburdened.