Gemotions

He found it tucked into the cover of his late wife’s favorite book: a hastily scribbled letter, the ink smudged, addressed to him. The discovery was unexpected, a jolt to his otherwise predictable day. He settled into his armchair, the old leather creaking softly under his weight.

He began to read, his eyes scanning the familiar loops and curves of her handwriting. He felt a shiver, a sensation that went beyond a simple chill. The words were filled with a bold, almost reckless declaration of love. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his focus sharp, absolute. He felt a prickle of pleasure, a quickening behind his ribs. He felt drawn back into the past, as if she was in the room with him.