Gemotions

The flickering gaslight cast long, dancing shadows across the room. He felt the cold seep into his bones as he sat there, alone. He had let her down. He had failed. Each breath was a reminder of his inadequacy.

A delicate letter, sealed with a wax stamp, tumbled from the pages of the book. It spoke of a lost love, a parting, a painful goodbye. He ran a hand over his face. He should have known better, should have tried harder.

The paper felt smooth against his fingertips. He felt the sting of tears prick his eyes. The weight of the world seemed to settle on his shoulders. He was responsible, and there was nothing he could do.