Gemotions

He found it tucked inside an old book he’d been meaning to donate. The brittle paper crackled in his hands. He barely recognized the handwriting. A wave of heat washed over Daniel, followed by a sudden chill. He sank into his armchair, the world tilting slightly.

He had worked so hard to put the past behind him. The pain, the shame, the resentment – all meticulously buried. Why now? He felt his hands begin to shake as he unfolded the letter. He had to read it, he knew, but dread pooled in his gut.

He began to read, his eyes darting across the page, his breath coming in shallow gasps.