Gemotions

The house felt cold, even with the central heating running full blast. The task of organizing her parents' things, after their accident, was a burden for Chloe. It felt like an endless marathon.

She finally reached her mother's office. Inside, she found a locked filing cabinet. Curiosity finally won, and she forced the lock. The drawers were stuffed with files, each one meticulously labeled with a date and a grade. They were all hers.

She pulled out a crumpled report card from fourth grade. Her eyes skimmed over the grades, and the memory of the disappointment associated with that time washed over her. She sat down heavily in her mother’s chair, the room suddenly feeling very small.