Gemotions

The musty smell of the basement always made David want to sneeze. He held his breath as he rummaged through a box labeled "Miscellany." Inside, tucked away in a plastic sleeve, was a single sheet of paper. He squinted at the familiar handwriting: his father’s. The title: "Resignation – City Council (Draft)." He nearly dropped the box.

He re-read the words, a burning heat rising in his cheeks. His father, the pillar of the community, the man who’d dedicated his life to local politics…had wanted to *quit*? The letter detailed conflicts of interest, backroom dealings he'd never imagined. He felt like he’d stepped into a parallel universe. His legs felt weak.