Gemotions

The old house creaked around her as she explored the dusty attic. Emily, inheriting her great aunt's house, had been sorting through boxes. In one, she found an unfinished letter. The recipient was her great aunt's fiancé, a man who had died during the war.

Emily felt a strange sensation, like her stomach had dropped. The letter began with the expected pleasantries, but quickly revealed a truth she hadn't known. Her great aunt was calling off the engagement. The reasons were unclear; she wanted "a life of her own," "a path less traveled." Emily folded the letter, her hands shaking slightly. She had always felt like she was failing. She felt completely untethered.