Gemotions

The fire in the hearth crackled, casting dancing shadows across the room as I read. This was the one thing that seemed certain in this unsteady life. The words on the page, the books, the characters were all real. But then, as I opened "The Picture of Dorian Gray," a folded letter fell into my lap. *Oh, come on*, I thought.

A tear-stained confession of betrayal. A plea for understanding. I let out a puff of air, the same feeling I had when my ex called asking for another chance. The letter felt heavy in my hands. I almost threw it into the flames, but the thought of the mess was more displeasing. I placed it on the side table, where it would likely remain, unread, until the next move.