Gemotions

Lila was tasked with helping her grandmother, recovering from surgery, to organize her home. The familiar routine, the scent of lavender and old books, should have been comforting, but instead, she felt overwhelmed.

She stumbled upon a hidden closet, crammed with boxes. Her heart sank when she realized the contents: her childhood schoolwork. A mix of joy and despair filled her. It was a tangible link to her mother, who was no longer there.

She found a drawing from her first grade, a lopsided depiction of a house. She remembered her mother’s praise, her encouragement, her unwavering belief in her abilities. She looked around. She had to deal with everything, all the grown-up things. The world suddenly felt harsh and untamed.