Gemotions

The old house felt oppressive, the air thick with the weight of generations. John ran a hand over his forehead, trying to clear the fog in his mind. He’d come to sort through his uncle’s belongings, following the instructions of the will. His uncle had been a stern man, a lawyer, who was known for his love of order and logic.

He discovered a box hidden under the floorboards. Inside, he found a photograph. His uncle was wearing a flamboyant costume. He was laughing, arm-in-arm with other men and women. They appeared to be celebrating, drinking, and merrymaking. The photo seemed to be from an era John knew nothing about.

A wave of dizziness washed over him. The floor seemed to be rising, then falling. The image of the laughing man was so different from the man John had known that it felt like a cruel joke. He gripped the edge of the table, his knuckles white, trying to regain his equilibrium.