Gemotions

The postman’s knock was a startling intrusion to the quiet of Eleanor’s afternoon. She cautiously opened the door, her hand hovering over the chain, and found a cream-colored envelope, its edges slightly frayed. It was from her sister, Margaret, from whom she had been estranged for fifteen years. Her throat constricted.

Eleanor read the letter with a slow, deliberate pace. Margaret offered her deepest apologies for the harsh words exchanged long ago. She admitted her flaws and asked for forgiveness. Eleanor felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead. The words seemed hollow, a performance.

She paced the living room, her steps quick and agitated. She suddenly felt claustrophobic in her own home. She went to the kitchen and made a cup of tea, but couldn't bring herself to drink it. She sat at the table, the untouched cup in front of her, and began to shred the letter into tiny pieces.