Gemotions

The rain hammered against the windows, mirroring the chaotic rhythm of Leo's thoughts. The divorce papers sat on the kitchen counter, cold and unforgiving. He needed to sort through his father's belongings, a task he'd been putting off, but now there was no choice.

A small wooden chest, usually hidden under the bed, contained his father's old journals and letters. He picked up a letter that bore his own name, written in his father's distinctive script. It was written when Leo had been struggling with his own divorce, years ago.

The words, filled with empathy and understanding, struck him like a blow. *I know it’s hard, son.* Leo blinked, a burning sensation behind his eyes. He hadn’t realized how much he’d needed those words, how much he still needed his father’s steady presence.