Gemotions

The scent of old paper and leather hung heavy in the air. Eleanor, the elder sibling, had always played the part of the dutiful daughter. Her sister, Grace, was carefree and impulsive. Today, Grace was delighted by the inheritance of their grandmother's jewelry collection. Eleanor just stared out the window.

The lawyer handed her a small, unassuming package. It felt almost insignificant compared to the glittering display Grace had just been admiring. Inside, she found a collection of old photographs, mostly faded and blurry. "Family history," the lawyer had said. "A collection of memories.” Eleanor closed the box.

The photographs were of people she barely knew, and places she had never been. The lawyer was still talking, but the words felt distant.