Gemotions

The world outside was buzzing with activity, but inside, everything felt… flat. He was supposed to be writing, but the words wouldn't come. He just wanted to sleep. Cleaning out his mom's house felt like an insurmountable task, a chore he'd been avoiding for months.

He knew where to start, though. The attic. The air was thick and stale, a heavy presence in itself. He found a box marked "Memories," and hesitantly opened it.

The familiar smell of aging paper filled his nostrils. Inside, he found all his old school papers. Spelling tests, math quizzes, creative writing assignments. His face broke into a small smile as he remembered. A subtle lightness began to take hold.