Gemotions

The old house felt quiet and still. Liam sat at the kitchen table, the only sound the ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway. He felt grounded, present. The photographs were spread out before him.

He picked up a photo of his uncle, a man who had always been a distant, almost cold figure. The man in the picture was radiant, youthful, holding hands with a smiling woman. Liam had only known him as a widower who seemed to have no interests in anything.

He smiled faintly. He felt no sadness. He was free.

He leaned back in his chair. A profound quiet filled him, an inner stillness he had rarely experienced.