Gemotions

A lump formed in Maya's throat as she flipped through a stack of her old essays. Each paper, from kindergarten artwork to her high school book reports, was preserved with almost reverent care. Her mother, the woman who had always seemed so practical and stoic, had kept it all.

She touched a drawing of her, herself as a child, holding a giant lollipop. A silly smile tugged at her lips. How could someone show such an outpouring of love and dedication?

She remembered all the late nights her mother spent helping her with homework, the endless hours devoted to extracurricular activities. She sat on the floor, the box of papers forgotten beside her. Her mother's dedication brought tears to her eyes.

Later, she decided to buy flowers, her mother's favorite. It was the least she could do, she thought.