Gemotions

The sunlight streaming through the window seemed to mock Emily. She read the list again, each word a punch to the gut. *Learn to speak French fluently*. *See the Northern Lights*. Her mother? This was a woman who barely left her apartment. A wave of dizziness washed over her.

She paced the small living room, the list clutched tightly in her hand. Her mother had never even hinted at this side of herself. She felt adrift, like she was walking on shifting sand. How could someone hide such a vibrant inner life?

She stopped, staring at a framed photograph of her mother. The image seemed to taunt her, full of secrets she’d never known. The world felt turned inside out. She wanted to scream.