Gemotions

The air in the library was still and close, the only sound the gentle rustle of pages as Ethan turned the brittle photographs. A dark cloud hung over him.

He was examining a photo album of his grandfather, a man who had told stories of overcoming adversity with grit and determination. The photos told a different story. They showed a life of privilege, of wealth, of connections that had smoothed his path.

Ethan felt a surge of resentment. He closed the album, the cover slamming shut with a sharp crack. His jaw tightened. He sat there, unable to shake the feeling of being deceived.