Gemotions

The letter arrived with the Christmas cards. He almost discarded it, assuming it was another advertisement. But the return address, a name he hadn't thought about in over a decade, stopped him. It was from his former college roommate, David, the one who'd stolen his ideas and taken credit for his thesis.

He felt a sudden tightening in his throat. He sat down at the kitchen table, his hands trembling. He slowly unfolded the letter, each word a fresh wound, or perhaps, a balm? The apology was detailed, filled with remorse. He felt his head spin. He got up and began to pace, the words echoing in his mind. He had no idea how to process this.