Gemotions

Clara, a history student, was supposed to be cataloging the family's possessions. She was bored until she found the trunk. Inside, she unearthed a collection of photographs, each one a delightful departure from the narratives she had heard all her life.

Her great-great-grandmother, Eleanor, who was always spoken of as a pillar of the community, was pictured wrestling a bear. The bear looked more interested in a nap, and Eleanor had a huge smile on her face. Clara blinked, then let out a breathy laugh, imagining the family's reaction to this if it had been known.

Then, she found a series of photos of Eleanor dressed in a series of elaborate, outlandish costumes, posing with a troupe of traveling performers. Clara clutched the photos and decided her research on her ancestors was taking an unexpected and fantastic turn.