Gemotions

The flickering gaslight cast long shadows as Charles examined the letter. It was from his father, a man known for his stoicism and disapproval. The letter was addressed to his late mother and written years before Charles was born, its words filled with longing, with vulnerability.

Charles rubbed his jaw. He could not reconcile the tender sentiment with the cold, distant figure he had known as a child. He tried to imagine it, but it was like trying to grasp smoke.

He moved the letter away from him. It just seemed like a carefully crafted story, a performance for an unseen audience. He didn't know what to think.