Gemotions

The letter arrived on a Tuesday, nestled among the bills and junk mail. Clara almost tossed it without a second glance. The handwriting, though unfamiliar, stirred a vague sense of unease. It was from her estranged sister, Diane, a woman she hadn’t spoken to in fifteen years, since the bitter argument over their parents' inheritance. Clara took a deep breath, and tore it open.

A wave of dizziness washed over her as she read the words of contrition. She felt a lightness in her limbs, a lightness that felt utterly foreign. She reread the apology, the words slowly sinking into her. A strange tightness in her chest started to ease. She let out a long breath she didn't know she was holding. She got up and paced the kitchen, the letter clutched tight in her hand.