Gemotions

"Hello?" The word felt thin, a fragile shield against the world. Liam held the letter at arm's length. He'd been expecting something, he knew not what. The postmark indicated it had travelled far, for a very long time. His knuckles were white as he clenched his fist. He hadn’t spoken to his sister in years.

He checked the peephole on the door, then peeked through the window curtains before opening the letter. The air in his flat suddenly felt stagnant, heavy. He moved to the window, opening it wide to let in the chill night air, the breeze washing over him as he read the words. He felt his pulse race, a frantic rhythm against the quiet ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway.