Gemotions

He’d almost thrown it away, mistaking the letter for junk mail. A thin, cream-colored envelope, addressed in a clumsy scrawl. Mark had recognized the name instantly. He didn't want to. It was from Emily Carter, the girl who'd falsely accused him, ruining his reputation and his chances with the scholarship committee. He'd never expected anything like this. He sat down heavily in his worn armchair, the letter still clutched in his fist.

His heart hammered against his ribs. He felt a sudden, inexplicable heat in his cheeks. He slowly unfolded the paper, his hands shaking slightly. The words blurred before his eyes. It was a lengthy explanation, a genuine confession. He rubbed a hand over his face. He felt…unmoored. He reread the letter twice, each time feeling a strange churning in his stomach, a sensation he hadn't experienced in years.