Gemotions

He stared at the letter, the paper worn with age. It was a harsh, bitter letter to his best friend, written after a falling out, never mailed. He felt a sting of shame and something else, a prickling awareness that he couldn’t name. He had locked it away for years.

He moved quickly, his movements sharp. He went to the backyard, walking the perimeter, examining the fence. He felt a deep sense of disquiet, as if an invisible threat was just outside the property lines. The wind picked up, rustling the leaves, and every sound seemed to carry a warning. He felt a profound need to protect.