Gemotions

He slumped onto the park bench, the book a heavy weight in his hands. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. Each breath felt like an effort. He’d messed up again. He could almost feel the disappointment radiating from his loved ones.

The letter fluttered free as he absentmindedly flipped through the pages. It was addressed to a woman, a declaration of affection in elegant cursive. He focused on the words, trying to lose himself in the sentiment. He needed to escape the knot twisting in his stomach.

He wished he had the words, the eloquence to fix the mess he had created. He clenched the book, the paper crinkling under his grip. The weight of his actions pressed down on him.