Gemotions

Liam bounced on the balls of his feet, the old house's dust motes dancing in the sunbeams that poured through the attic window. He’d practically begged his great-aunt Beatrice to let him sift through her things. Finally! She’d conceded, her voice a frail whisper, but her eyes held a spark of amusement he hadn't seen in years.

He unearthed a box overflowing with photos. He snatched one up, a grin splitting his face. The story his family told was one of quiet dignity, of a grandfather who rarely cracked a smile. But here, bathed in the amber glow of a vintage photograph, was his grandfather, arms wrapped around a woman he'd never seen before, laughing until his eyes crinkled.

"Incredible!" Liam said aloud, his voice thick with a sudden surge of something akin to amazement.