Gemotions

The old house creaked around Thomas as he slowly unfolded the letter. His grandfather’s handwriting, neat and precise, was instantly familiar. The paper smelled of old books and something else… something faintly metallic. The letter was addressed to his grandmother, at her boarding school.

He felt a coldness creeping up his spine. His grandfather had died when he was young. He knew little about his personal life. The letter was a declaration of love, and also something else. An apology.

His hands began to tingle. He couldn't move. He felt like he was falling. He read the words, each sentence a blow. His grandfather's secret. His grandmother's heartbreak. The world around him faded.