Gemotions

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the empty street. He felt exposed, vulnerable. The letter was tucked in his jacket pocket, a constant weight against his chest. He pulled his collar up, as if that would offer some protection.

He hadn’t slept well in days. Every creak of the floorboards, every bump in the night, had him sitting bolt upright, heart racing. He hadn’t felt this way in a long, long time. He wanted to scream.

He ran a hand through his hair, leaving it standing on end. He avoided eye contact with anyone who passed him on the sidewalk. He kept his gaze fixed on the ground, hoping to blend into the shadows.