Gemotions

The letter was found inside a hollowed-out book. Maria clutched it, her face pale. It was written by her mother, but not to her. Addressed to a lover, it spoke of a life she'd never known.

She felt a hollowness in her chest, a void that seemed to suck all the air from the room. She was lightheaded. She was frozen. She reread the words, feeling as if she had been hit.

She stumbled back, unable to process the contents. Her throat tightened, and she felt as if she might be sick. The room started to spin.