Gemotions

The crisp autumn air bit at Elara’s cheeks as she unfolded the letter. A thin, crackling paper, delivered by hand. Years. It had been years since she’d seen his handwriting. A tremor ran through her, leaving her suddenly cold despite her thick sweater. She sank onto the porch swing, the rhythmic creak a counterpoint to the racing of her heart. The words, when she finally started to read them, were clumsy, filled with genuine regret. She hadn't expected this; hadn't allowed herself to imagine it. A stray tear escaped, tracing a cold path down her face. She closed her eyes, the wind rustling through the leaves of the ancient oak tree in her yard.