Gemotions

The envelope lay half-buried in a box of old photographs, a forgotten relic of childhood dreams. Eleanor, rummaging through the attic, recognized her own loopy script immediately. The letter was addressed to her childhood best friend, now long out of touch. A wave of heat flushed her cheeks.

She reread the words, the enthusiastic declarations of friendship, the sharing of innocent secrets. Her smile faded, replaced by a subtle grimace. She recalled the shared triumphs, the silly games, and the way her friend always seemed to see her best self. How naive she had been.

It was impossible to feel the same now. She shifted, tugging at the collar of her shirt. The past felt so distant, a sepia-toned movie she couldn't fully relate to anymore. The letter felt heavy in her hand, the words a reminder of a vulnerability she no longer allowed herself. She looked around at the dusty room, wanting to disappear.