Gemotions

"Well, aren't you going to open them?" Her mother's voice, laced with gentle amusement, cut through the morning air. Chloe just stared at the box, tied with a perfect satin ribbon. Lavender, her favorite. It sat on her kitchen table, an island of potential joy and utter confusion.

She felt a strange disconnect, like watching a play where she didn't know the script. Her fingers, usually so nimble, felt clumsy as she lifted the lid. Inside, nestled amongst tissue paper, were violets. Her jaw tightened as her eyes darted between her mother and the box. She tried to speak, but the words stuck in her throat.