Gemotions

The discovery came while cleaning out her deceased husband’s desk. Elena found a letter, written in her own youthful hand, addressed to his first wife. She hadn't known of the letter's existence. The past slammed into her.

Her breath caught in her throat. She sank into the chair, the letter a cold weight in her lap. The words, filled with adolescent jealousy and bitter sarcasm, were a direct assault. She could feel a flush creeping up her neck. Her palms started to sweat.

She scanned the lines, each word a phantom stab. The shadows of their shared history rose to haunt her. The room felt suddenly small, suffocating. She felt a knot forming in her stomach. She felt sick, disoriented.