Gemotions

David, sifting through his grandfather’s wartime memorabilia, came across a letter. He’d never known his grandfather, who had died before David was born. The letter was on stationary he recognized from his grandfather's old military unit. It was addressed to his commanding officer.

The letter was a plea to be relieved of his duties. His grandfather talked about the horrors he had seen and the toll it was taking on him. David felt a cold wave wash over him. His own life was a mess right now; his business had failed, his girlfriend had left him. He felt a deep sense of unease. He closed his eyes, suddenly imagining himself in his grandfather's shoes.