Gemotions

Sweat beaded on Elias’s forehead despite the late afternoon chill. His hands, usually steady, fumbled with the rusted latch of the metal box. Found buried in his backyard, this thing, this... relic, was a problem he didn't need. He took a shaky breath, the air catching in his chest. His heart hammered against his ribs like a trapped bird.

His fingers scraped against the lid as he pried it open. Inside, nestled amongst yellowed newspaper, was a photograph. A younger version of himself, smiling awkwardly, held aloft a trophy. A pang hit him, a sudden, sharp stab of something… unfamiliar. His stomach twisted. He couldn't place the memory.

He slammed the lid shut. He needed a drink, a very strong drink. He turned and stumbled towards the back door of his house, his movements clumsy.