Gemotions

He found the letter tucked inside a worn copy of *Moby Dick*. A note from his father. His father, who had left when he was twelve. He let out a humorless laugh. What now? He hadn't seen the man in twenty-five years.

He ran a hand over his face. He remembered the bitterness, the resentment, the feeling of being abandoned. He unfolded the letter, the paper fragile with age. He read the words, the familiar handwriting making his stomach churn.

He felt the familiar knot in his chest tighten. He looked around the small apartment, the comfortable clutter of his life, his safe haven. He focused on the details. He didn't need this. He didn't want to hear it. He folded the letter and tossed it into the trash.