Gemotions

The basement smelled of damp and mildew. Liam held the letter at arm’s length. His dad’s familiar script was scrawled across the paper. He didn't know what to make of it. His father, a man he always thought was happy in his work, had wanted out. He felt a sudden, unwelcome chill.

Liam's vision blurred, and he blinked hard, trying to regain his composure. He ran a hand over his face. The thought of his father wrestling with such decisions, privately, unseen, made his own stomach turn. He needed air. He slammed the basement door, needing to get out.