Gemotions

The old photographs, unearthed from a dusty trunk, showed her great-uncle, a man they'd always described as a recluse, engaged in all sorts of social activities. He was photographed laughing with friends, traveling the world. Nothing like the hermit he was supposed to be.

The stories were a lie. Her chest tightened. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She felt a growing sense of unease.

She sat down, staring at the images, unable to reconcile the pictures with the narratives. The truth of his life was hidden. Now, a different truth had emerged, and she had no idea how to interpret it.