Gemotions

“Look at this!” Sarah squealed, holding up a beautifully preserved photo of a young woman with long, flowing hair and a mischievous grin. The time capsule, discovered during a school cleanup, contained photos from a summer camp Sarah had never attended.

Sarah’s childhood had been a series of moves and new schools. She struggled to build friendships that lasted. She'd always desired the deep connections and memories that seemed to effortlessly bind the others.

She watched as the others identified faces, named shared adventures. Sarah felt a peculiar tightness in her chest, a heavy feeling she couldn't explain. She abruptly left the group, the bright sunshine suddenly feeling harsh and unforgiving, her own past a silent wasteland.