Gemotions

"Well, this is embarrassing," Clara said to herself, her voice barely a whisper. The attic was a chaotic mix of forgotten belongings, left behind by the people who’d lived in her house before. She hadn't bothered to look up here until now.

A trunk stood in the corner, its leather cracked and peeling. She lifted the heavy lid. Inside, she found a collection of old letters and photographs. The photos showed a family, laughing, enjoying a life she couldn't relate to. She felt suddenly small, insignificant. She hated this.

She closed the trunk with a thud. She wanted to leave the attic, to erase this experience. She felt the heat rising in her face. The task before her suddenly seemed monumental.