Gemotions

He stared at the package, a slim rectangle addressed to "Mr. Arthur Finch," his predecessor. Liam had only met Arthur once, a fleeting conversation during the handover of the keys. He recalled the older man's weary smile. Now, Arthur was gone, and this box had appeared.

He sat down on the floor, the unopened package beside him. A strange ache settled in his chest. He remembered his grandfather, who had passed away a year ago. It felt like a physical pang, a dull pressure. He thought about the man's favorite armchair, still sitting empty in his old home.

He slowly ripped open the envelope. Inside were several letters, their pages yellowed with age. Liam lifted one, its script elegant and looping. It was addressed to Arthur, from someone named Clara, signed with an affectionate flourish. He held it close, smelling the faint scent of old paper and something else, a hint of vanished perfume.